V 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN 



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C^i^iW 



I 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 



A DRAMA, 

IIT FIVE ^CTS. 



\ 



BY P. H. CALMUS. 



Entered according to act of Congress in the Librarian's OflSce at "Washington, D. 

C, January 8, 1886. 




HAWKINSVILLE, GA.: 

1886. 



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* THE J'E'VST OIP ZE:M:i=>IjI3Sr. 



CAST OF GHABACTERS. 
Jambs Blue, a rich landlord. Curate. 

Jacob Aaronson. 
Sandur Berent. 

Janush Droshka, a horse dealer. 
Sego, leader of robber band. 
MisKA, servant. 
Tramp. 
Priest — Father Clakius. 



1st Robber. 

2nd Bobber. 

3ri> Robber. 

Lulu Beb«nt. 

Sarah Aaronsok. 

Susan. 

Female Missionabt. 



Peasants, Rop.iuor.s and Vh.t^ai.krs. 



TMP92-008786 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 



ACT I. 
SCENE I. — Drawing room. 

Jamks Bluh. TwflTe months to-day since Lulu married that blockhead. My 
future, which, at one time, w»8 so bright, was then blighted and yet, ihould I suc- 
ceed in an undertaking, very peculiar in its nature, I may yet recover what by 
right belongs to me. 

Enter Janush Droshka. 

J. B. Ha I I am delighted to see you. Take a seat. 

Janush D. I've excellent news. (Take a seat.) What may be the matter, Mr. 
Blue. You seem to be excited? (In a whisper.) Has anything transpired since I 
was here last? 

James Bluk. Hush ! Hush ! Nothing ! Only a visionary imagination of some 
future evil. Have you anything of importance to communicate ? 

Janush D. Yes. My mission this morning is of ^reat importance. In short, if 
we want to accomplish anything we must strike the iron while it's hot. 

Jamks Blub. Proceed. 

Janush D. A fortnight or so ago a stranger arrived in the village ; a rather pre- 
possessing fellow. To be brief, I saw him, spoke to him and he is the very man for 
our purpose. 

James Blue. But — what — how — I mean can you trust him ? 

Janush D. Yes. He is a stranger. No one in the village knows him, and he 
will go as he came. Now, Mr. Blue, before making any attempt what shall be my 
reward ? 

Jamks Blue. Ten Thousand Guilders. 

Janush D. You must make it twenty. 

Jamks Blue. Say fifteen. 

Janush D. Twenty or no trade. 

Jambs Blue. You shall have the money you demand, providing no trace is left. 

Janush D. Agreed. And now, Mr. Blue, I demand a written guarantee. 
Times are very critical, and death, you know, seals a verbal contract. 

James Blue. And what guarantee can you give me ? 

JuNUSH D. My services. 

James Blue. And suppose you fail ? 

Janush D. Impossible. We must succeed, for our plans are well laid. Now, 
if satisfactory, you can write the agreement as I dictate. 

James Blue.' (Prepared to write.) Proceed. 

Janush D. I, James Blue, of sane mind, promise to pay to Janush Droshka the 
sum of Twenty Thousand Guilders for following services, to-wit: Said Janush 
Droshka to kidnap a certain individual by name, Sandur Bereny. And Janush 
Droshka further agrees to destroy the existence of said Sandur Bereny. 

James Blue. Stop ! understand, no murder ! 

James D. I understand you, and promise. Sandur Bereny's existence will be 
entirely wiped away; and "yet his life shall not be destroyed. Sign first. (James 
Blue hands pen to .Janush.) 

Janush D, Now, Mr. Blue, have everything ready by to-morrow night.^ Be 
sure to keep the back door open and in the mean time take care of yourself. (Exit.) 

James Blue. (Meditating). A pretty piece of business, this indeed. Lulu, your 
knowledge as to James Blue's power is, I should think, rather limited. Sixteen 
long years did I watch over that fiower, anticipating great results, and to make an 
independent man of myself; then, after so many years of patience, to see another 
man possess himself of my flower. That is robbery. While I am only trying to 
recover my lost treasure, >vhich >v^s stolen frpijf^ me, api I npt- justified ^n doing 



4 THE JEW OF ZEMPim. 

what my conscience dictates to me is right? (Terribly frightened.) Who says no? 
Somehow, 1 don't feel safe Avith my own utterances. Am I afraid of myselt, of 
my own sliadow? (with increased terror.) There in a dungeon he is chained, ter- 
ribly lacerated, and his eyes are torn out of their sockets. Yes. There he is, point- 
ing at me witli a bloody linger ! The chain is falling oft— torn asunder ! He is ad- 
vancing! Don't lay hands on me ! Keeper, Keeper, be quick! Save me! Murder! 
Murder! (Drops in chair exhausted.) 

Enter Lulv. 

Lulu. Father, what is the matter! Look at me, fiither! It is your Lulu, pray 
speak to me. 

.Tamks Bluk. Lulu, is that you? How long have you been here, and what have 
you heard me say? (grasps her wrist T\ith violence) Quick, tell me, what I have 
said ! 

Lulu. You have said nothing. But you are not looking well. You must be 
feverish. 

Jamks Bluk. Excuse me, my dear child, as you say I am not well and will 
retire. Will you have the kindness to conduct me to my room? (Lulu leads him 
to door.) 

Lulu. Wliat can be the matter with father? For the last two weeks there has 
been something mysterious about him ; he has no appetite, and in his sleep he 
talks of some great reward, and daily locks himself up with strange individuals. 
What can be the matter? I have some bad presentiments. AVhat can they mean? 
Can it be possible that my father is plotting against the government? Hardly. 
But I shiiU find out. Father has always confided in me and as soon as he recovers 
I will question him. 

Enter Sandur Bekkny, singing in good humor. 

Sandur Bkrkny. Now, my little duckie, what is the matter? Allow me to 
read your thoughts! Thegulash jou made for dinner scorched; Susan broke the 
pitcher; and instead of your twelve hens laying thirteen eggs, they only deposited 
eleven. Well, well, Lulu don't mind; I've excellent news for you. 

Lulu. Sandur, you are invariably in such good humor. And do you know, 
Sandur, that you could make a splendid physiognomist? Ha! ha! ha! But you 
failed to guess my thoughts. Do you believe in presentiments? 

Sandur B. Presentiments, what do you mean ? 

LuLV. A warning of some future event, either good or bad. 

Sandur B. My belief, my darling, is only based upon nature taking its daily 
course as intended, and we must not try to pry into the black future. Ha! ha! 
ha! Does that satisfy your question? 

LunT. Sandur, I am not in a Jesting lunnor. My forebodings may be only a 
nightmare, but I lear something, something that 1 can't explain. 

Sandur B. Tush ! Tush ! (serious) Let your mind turn to something pleasant 
and your bad presentiments will be knocked into ajift'y. Now sit down, and I 
will give you a piece of news which will at once banish .all your fears. (Sitting 
side bj' side, James Blue appeal's on threshold unobserved and listens.) Six weeks 
ago our District Judge died, and as that office is awarded by our ministarium at 
Vienna, many applications were made, and some very prominent men sought for 
tlie ottice. My humble application was amongst them, and imagine my surprise 
on receiving this, (gives her document) the commission, with full authority as 
District Judge. Here stands before you Judge Sandur Bereny in his power to 
punish or pardon as his judgment may dictate. (Sings and embraces her.) 

Lulu. My hearty congratulations. You fully deserve the commission j'ou re- 
ceived; and may our I^ord look down upon us, and save us from all evil. 

Jamks Bluk. Lulu! (calls from within.) 

Lulu. Oh, yes ; I forgot to mention that father is not feeling well. (Exit Lulu.) 

Sandur B. Judge Bcrenj^ ! Quite an appropriate name. Imagine myself in 
the chair of justice. I must be dignified. So — (clianging position in cliair) pris- 
oner so and so — charged with stealing a hog. Prisoner, you are charged with the 
aAvful crime of of abscondency. A hog in the prime of its life, known as the boar 
of all neighl>ors, was snatched from its fold of felicity by you ; which fact was 
|)roven by reliable witnesses. And, now consider yourself convicted; may the 
Lord have mercy upon your soul. Ha! ha! ha! Excellent, most excellent! Next 
prisoner — Jacob Aaronson, the Jew, charged with selling rum on Sunday. Jew, 
stand up! You are charged before this tribunal with the terrible crime of liquida- 
ting, rummaging and gingering on our holy day of Sunday. I hereby order, as 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 5 

your punishment, that the accuser should scrub, wash and clean up in general 
your grog shop. I would be more lenient, but our holy day must be rigidly ob- 
served. That accounts for my severity. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I shall astonish the na- 
tives, by giving all justice, and making every crime punishable as it deserves, 
(seriously). By the way, my wife is becoming rather despondent. She has a 
great imaginarj"- power which may be called superstition. She fears some evil. 
It is true I stole my Lulu. Her father, a gruft" old fellow, would not consent to 
our union ; but after we were made one, he became reconciled and blessed us. 
Now all fear dispensed with on that score, what bad presentiment can she have? 
By the way, I must be off to the ordinary's office to sign the letter of acceptance, 
(rings bell.) 

Enter Miska, sleepy. 

Open your eyes, you sheep skin son of a Shepherd ! (strikes an attitude.) Look 
at me! Know then, you are face to face Avith the High Tribunal of this land, 
Judge Sandur Bereny, of Zemplin district. My coat — my hat I (Miska, slow and 
clumsy, gives him coat and hat) my cane! 1 will convict you! (Miska gapes.) 
Remember you are convicted, (exit S. B.) 

Miska. (Rubbing his eyes and looking around suspiciously.) Rem- (gapes) 
ember, you are con- (gapes) victed. Calling me a son (gapes) of a sheep (gapes) 
skin shepherd. Hi ! hi ! lii ! Just as soon as a man forgets himself so far as to sell 
his soul, person, friends and all for the sake of matrimony, he ileserves to be ban- 
ished to the northpole of Zero. ^Vhy, before my master made that terrible step I 
had some power. He was as meek as a lamb. We ate and smoked together; he 
attended to his business and I to mine. And now look at him, a wreck, a slave to 
a woman's heart, unmindful as to his fellow man's feeling, careless in person, ex- 
travagant in habits, and all for the sake of a woman ! Ever since master married 
there has been no rest for me. Continually working; it's here, Miska, do this, 
and Miska do that. Nary a good night's rest have 1 had in the last twelve months, 
(gapes.) 

(Enter Missionary with Bible and papers. Miska on perceiving her is dumb- 
founded, and eyes her from head to foot. Missionary stands perfectly straight 
and motionless, facing audience.) 

What in the devil is this? (aside) I wonder whether this thing is of male or fe- 
male persuasion, (aloud) Mr. — Miss — Mr. — excuse me, what may be your busi- 
ness here? You have made a mistake. This is no hotel, Mr. I mean Miss, 

you will please put steam on your locomotive, blow your whistle and get! (aside) 
He — she — I mean this thing nuxst be deaf and dumb, (aloud) 1 say, your services 
arenot requii-ed here, and if you are hungry, as your appearance indicates, go 
across the street and you'll see the sign of a tavern. (Missionary sighs, Miska 

imitates her sigh and position.) 

Miska. (very loud) Are you an escaped lunatic, a living curiosity, or — what 
in tlie devil are you ? 

(Missionary sighs and drops papers, whicli Miska attempts to pick up, but on 
perceiving the missionary with eyes upturned and hands in position of prayer, he 
drops them and imitates her. Above actions repeated three times.) 
(aside) I guess it is a ghost, and has come here to bring me news from the world 
beyond, (advances trembling.) I beg indulgence, your gliostship; do not judge 
a fellow like me too iiarshly. 1 am onl\' a human being, and am not yet quite 
prepared to enter heaven. Please disappear as you appeared, and give me grace. 

Missionary. (Talking very fast.) All over the continent from hill to hill, 
crossing: creeks, rivers and oceans, walking or riding, never weary, I have pene- 
trated every habitable spot on tlie face of tiie globe wliere our gospel may be en- 
graved into the liuman lieart. My life, thougli endangered, 1 feel protected by 
our Lord and Master. I am now on my way to China and our Lord above us has 
directed me to call on all good Christians to help his apostle and aid her witli 
necessary nuiahs to aocomplish His will, Our Lord and ^Master above us. 

Miska. Sir— Madame, 1 mean your perpetual evaporator m.ay gull your grand- 
father's uncle's son-in-law. Xo penetration of inhabitants around me, and as no 
Chinas or heathens are about these premises, you may politely lift your mudtrot- 
ters and get. (Missionary, in the meantime, turns her head rapidly from right to 
left and then, with a look of horror and disgust, screams and falls fainting into 
Miska's arms.) 



6 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN, 

SCENE II— Street Scene. 
Enter Janush Diioshka and Skgo. 

Janush D. Have you prepared yourself? 

Skoo. Don't fear ; I am never wUliout these, (produces sponge and bottle,) and 
should they fail, I have these, (produces a brace of pistols,) but for a sure cure of 
obstinacy, this (produces a long bowie knife,) serves any arugment. 

Janush D. None of your persuaders are necessary in this case. You will find 
it a very easy join 

Skgo. All right, pard; but understand, T never take any risks. The odds 
must invariably be in my favor. Every man, according to his ability, chooses a 
profession, (with a meaning look at Janush D.) I have chosen one to do jobs. 
Now, I understand you are to pay me one thousand guilders yearly for the abduc- 
tion of a certain individual. I aiii to keep him in close confinement, and at the 
■expiration of five years, I am to receive additional five thousand guilders, as a 
premium, for tickling him under the cliin. (Imitating the action of cutting the 
throat.) 

Janush D. Exactly. But you nuisttake him into some foreign country. 

Sego. Never fear ! To-night, accompanied by our guest, I'll be oft' for Wal- 
lachia, where air is food and the sun a rarity. Sh ! Some one is coming. 

Janush D. It is only Jacob Aaronson, the Jew. 

Sego. (Astonished and agitated, turns his back to Janush. Aside.) Is it pos- 
sible that I should meet him now! No. He must not see me. My reward would 
be his curse, which would follow me through life, and eventually lead me to the 
gallows. 

Enter Jacob. 

Janush D. Hallo, Jacob, where to? 

Jacob. Good evening, Mr. Droshka. I am now on my way to James Blue, as 
I owe him for one quarter, and he has sent me a notification to pay ; besides he 
has raised my rents. I am woi-king under hard difficulties, Mr. Droshka. My 
business is very bad; I can hardly pay my government taxes. Oh, my God! 
what can a poor man do ! (shading his eyes with hand.) Who is that, Mr. Droshka ? 

Janush D. No one that you know, Jacob. 

Jacob. Is he a stranger in the village ? 

Janush D. Not exactly, but you have never seen him. 

Sego. (In a husky voice to Janush D.) Let him go. 

Jacob. I have heard that voice before, (greatly excited.) Yes, Mr. Droshka, 
I know him! He is (Sego jumps at him and chokes him; Jew falls uncon- 
scious.) 

Sego. Come ! Let's get away from here. (Exit J. D. and Sego.) 

Jacob. (After gaining consciousness.) Yes, it was he. Samuel, my son, my 
onlj* child. Samuel, whom we have mourned as dead for the last twelve years. 
Was it a dream? My Samuel living? Impossible. Oli, how my head aches! 
Where am I? My eyes are dim, my mind is wandering. Death, the saviour of all 
tortures and miseries, come — come, you are welcome! Samuel here and in a rob- 
ber's garb! Oh, God of Israel, give ear to my utterances! Curse him! May his 
life be a thousand hells on eaith; may the air that he inhales be a boiling liquid 
of lead; may he live one thousand years with vermin imbedded in his miserable 
body ; may his flesh drop off ounce by ounce and be devout-ed by the ravens of the 
desert; maj' he live to see his bare bones bleached by the sun and crumble before 
his ej'cs; and may his black soul, after taking its eternal flight to the bottom of 
hell, there find relief in fire and brimstone. Oil! God, as tliou art merciful and 
forgiving, I praj^ to Tliee to lighten my heart and have mercy upon me. Let my 
vengeance be tiij^ compassion, my curse thy blessing. Oh ! what would Sarah, 
my wife, say should slie know that Samuel, whom she thinks dead and prays for 
daily, is alive; a highwayman ard robber. No! No! she must never know it! 
Samuel Aaronson, Avho deserted the Austrian army twelve years ago, and was re- 
ported to have been killed, shall be dead — dead — dead to her forever ! (walking 
feebly.) I was mistaken. I have no child. Only One I had, a son, and he died. 
Childless, penniless, homeless, spiritless, (with outstretched arms,) I am now 
ready. Come ! come, death ! and be my relief. (Exit.) 

SCENE III. — Mountainous Scene — liobbers^ Camp — Bobbers Singing — Stage Dark. 

FiKST R. Toruight we shall journey to Wallachia, a land of gold, where our 
profession is recpgnjzed as jijegal avocation of justice. 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 7 

All. Hurrah! Hurrah! 

First B. A land, where in broad daylight, as well as in the dead of night, we 
can, with impunity and without fear, demand the gold. 

All. Hurrah! Hurrah! 

Second R. Yes, where we enter in the dead of night, father, husband, wife 
and children, with smiles upon their countenances, are dreaming of a happy fu- 
ture ; the infant lying at its mother's breast taking nourishment from that foun- 
tain of life. There, with impunity, we enter. We hear the terrible shreak of 
robbers ! robbers ! and then, with trembling limbs and pitiful sighs, they plead to 
us for pity. "Save our lives !" they cry. "Take all you find, but save our lives !" 
"Where is the treasure?" we demand. "We have no treasures; all we possess, 
gold and silver, take; but for God's sake, save our lives!" they entreat. The fa- 
tal blade strikes, and the husband lies a bleeding corpse under our feet. The in- 
fant is then seized, and holding the poor innocent with its head downward, we 
demand, "Deliver up the treasures!" The mother, kneeling before us, prays fer- 
ventlj', "Take my life, but save my child I" Two minutes more and all is quiet. 

All. Ha! ha! ha! 

Third R. Pard, you are getting sentimental, you'd better don a monk's garb. 

Second R. At times my spirit fails me, and 1 am on the verge of repenting. 
But never mind ; I feel my courage returning and I am with you. (A shrill whis- 
tle is heard from without.) 

All. The captain is coming. 

Enter Sego and Janush Droshka, can-ying the unconscious Sandur Bereny. 

They lay him on the floor. Sandur Bereny, by degrees, shows life. 
• 

Sandur Bbkeny. Where am I ? What is this ? Let me see, or rather let me feel 
where I am. (Sees Jan. Droshka) Ha! a mask! Oh, my God! some mysterious 
enemy is upon me. What have I done to deserve this persecution? I am innocent 
of all oflTense — all guilt. (Sees Sego.) Ah, I know you now. You are the stran- 
ger whom I have seen in the village. Yes, I know you. (Sego forces sponge to 
his face to chloroform him.) Don't strangle me! Am I to be murdered! Gentle- 
men, you are mistaken in the man ; I am innocent of any offense. (Becoming de- 
lirious.) Where is Lulu, where is she? Lulu ! Lulu ! I care not for myself, mur- 
der me, cut me, broil me, but save my dear Lulu. Tell me, is she alive? Oh, my 
God, what have I done ! (Becoming desperate.) Open me up the shrouded graves ; 
open me up, I say, the shrouded graves; set me among the hideous dead in all 
their ghostly and loathsome putrefaction ; give me such a vision ; or if there be a 
pitch of horror still beyond this, then I say, mark me ; then I say, open me up all 
hell at full work hissing, boiling, scalding, roasting, scorching, blazing, but ever- 
consuming hell, in full operation ; the whole dark and penal machinery in full 
play. There they are ! The yell, the scream, the shout, the torture, the laughter 
of despair ! With the pleasing consciousness that all this is to be eternal, fling me, 
with soul and body, into the uttermost depths of its howling tortures. Do any or 
all of this, sooner than let any harm come to my Lulu. Oh ! A drink I a drink ! 
Water! Water! My throat, my mouth, my tongue are all on fire. (Falls uncon- 
scious.) 

Sego. To work, boys, and obey these, my orders. Take this indiyidual and 
carry him over yonder peak, wliere our steeds are ready for the journey. And, 
mind, before the sun dawns, we must be twenty-five miles nearer our destination. 

All. Long live our captain. (The robbers take up the unconscious Sandur Be- 
reny and are climbing the peak singing all the while. Slow curtain.) 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — Grog shop, poorly furnished; bottles and tumblers on shelves; two small 
tables and chairs. Sarah discovered knitting. Jacob arranging bottles, and the tramp 
sitting at table seemingly asleep. 

Jacob. Sarah, my wife, why arc you so solemn? It is true, times are hard; 
but they'll get better, they'll get better. 

Sarah. I was thinking of our dear Samuel; night and day he is before me. 
Last night I had a terrible dream. I dreamt a proclamation was issued that all 
Jews must at once leave Hungary. There was moaning, wailing and crying 



8 THE JEW OF ZEMPLtK, 

amongst our people. The streets were crowded, and the general cry of the popu- 
lace was, "Out with the Jews! Kill the Jews!" As the excitement increased, 
Mr. James Blue caught you by the wrist with his left hand, and in his right he 
held a dagger. Terrible to behold I "Jacob Aaronson," said he, "Now, yen dog of 
a Jew, if your carcass possesses my secret, your foul breath shall never divulge 
it." And, as he was about to strike you dead, a tall ligure appeared upon the 
scene, a powerful built man, and grasping the assassin's hand, he cried, "Hold! 
villain! If you crave for the blood of a Jew, strike here." Baring his breast, 
"Coward," said he, "you dare not advance on a man of courage." "And who 
are you?" Demanded Mr. Blue. "Behold in me the lost son of Jacob Aaronson. 
Samuel Aaronson is my name." At that instant, I awoke, saturated with perspi- 
ration. 

Jacob. Tush, Tush! Sarah, my wife, lose not your spirit because you had a 
bad dream. It is only owing to constant thought on a certain subject, with which 
the mind becomes impregnated; and then, when the body is at rest, the mind is 
constantly at work. 

Sarah. But you see how in reality our people are persecuted; driven out of 
their house and home, tormented to the last degree of barbarism. Do you know, 
Jacob, my husband, that at times I regret being born a Jew. 

Jacou. You, you, my wife, my constant, indulgent and brave Sarah; you re- 
gret being a Jew ! And for the sake of earthly freedom ! What is this world com- 
pared to the above, a wOrld eternal, where justice is meted out as to our deeds here 
below. Look at me, Sarah! 1 am a Jew, my father was a Jew, my grand and 
great grand-fathers were Jews. My religion, which is the true banner of freedom 
and civilization, should I now denounce V No, no, never! 

Enter Janush Droshka. 

Janush D. Why, Jacob, you opened your shop rather early this morning. 

Jacob. Yes. You see, Mr. Droshka, poor folks have poor ways. We must 
rise early and retire late. Business is very bad, and we can hardly manage to 
keep soul and body together. Can I serve you with anything, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. One gill of brandy. (Jacob hands him bottle and glass, Janush 
' drinks.) Bv the way, Jacob, have you heard the latest sensational news? 

Jacob, flow am 1 to hear the news? I seldom go to the village and very few 
folks come to my shop. 

Janush D. Something terrible happened in the village last night. 

Jacob. What is it? Mr. Droshka. 

Janush D. Sandur Bereny disappeared, and there is no clue to his whereabouts, 
but a great many suppositions. Some think he became deranged and left his home 
while in a delirious state; and others again believe that he was murdered. The 
whole afl'air is a mystery, and the village folks are terribly excited over the mat- 
ter. 

Jacob. (Showingsigns of uneasiness and agitation.) Disappeared! murdered! 
Have they any clue, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. I told you, no clue. 

Jacob. And how do they know that he was— was murdered? 

Janush D. I told you once, no one knows. 

Jacob. (Taking hold of his wrist.) (In a husky voice,) And what do you 
think about it, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. (Shaking him oft'.) Jew, let lose my wrist? (Aside.) I must 
change that subject, for the piercing eye of that Jew makes me shudder. (Aloud.) 
By the way, Jacob, you had some fun with that stranger yesterday evening. 

Jacob. (Pacing around and murmuring.) 1 know, I know! 

Janush D. (with sarcasm.) He made himself known to you in a rather choky 
way. 

Jacob. I know! I know! What did you remark, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. I said, that gentleman yesterday evening made himself known to 
you in a rather peculiar manner. Ha, ha, ha ! Quite a reception indeed ! Ha, 
ha, ha! 

Jacob. Do you know the stranger to whom you are alluding? 

Janush D. Yes. 

Jacob. Who is he? 

Janush D. His name is— well it matters not. By profession, he is a horse 
dealer. 

Jacob. It is a lie ! (Janush Droshka draws knife ani is about to strike Jacob 
9,s Sarah interferes.) 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 9 

Sarah. Please, sir, do not harm niy'husband ! 

Janush D. I allow no Jew to give nie the lie. 

Jacob. (Pacing floor and murmuring.) I know! I know I 

Janush D. (Takes wallet from pocket and a paper drops from the wallet un- 
observed.) Here Jacob, is tl)e money I owe you. (Throws money on table.) 

Jacob. Thanks, thanks, Mr. Droshka. Call again. (Exit Janush Droshka.) 

Sarah. Jacob I 

Jacob. (Still pacing and murmuring.) I know! I know! 

Sarah. Jacob, what was the matter? 1 have never before seen you iu such 
furj. These are critical times, and we must be meek. When I saw him draw 
that murderous weapon, it made my blood curdle within me. 

Jacob. (Absent-mindedly.) No ditl'erence to me. Let him kill me. A thou- 
sand deaths I prefer to such misery. It was he. I know ! I know ! (Discevers the 
note that J. D. dropped; reads it to himself, first close to face and then at full 
arm's length.) Ha, what is this! A conspiracy! Is it possible! I understand it 

now. Janush Droshka's close conversation with Sarah, my wife, pray to the 

Lord to let me live ! Sandur Bereny is not murdered ! 

Sarah. How do you know, Jacob? 

Jacob. In this hand I hold proof to convict the conspirators. (Thinking.) 
But oh, my God, how can I divulge it! Sarah, my wife, retire to your room, I am 
expecting some one on business. 

Sarah. Oh, Jacob, let me remain, if j^ou are alone some one may harm you. 

Jacob. Fear not, my wife, I'll take care — I'll take care. (Exit Sarah.) 

Jacob. This document I must retain. What excuse can I give, should Janush 
Droshka return for it. [Thinking.] Let me see — let me see — I have it. [Goes to 
tramp and shakes him] I say stranger ! [tramp wakes] would you object to a drink 
•f good brandy ? 

Tramp, [seeminglj- delighted] I never refuse. 

Jacob, [confidentially] I have a small bit of writing to do, but am too nerTOUS 
to do it myself. Would you do it for me? 

Tramp. Yes. 

Jacob. [Gives him paper, pen and ink.] Write as I read to you. [dictates 
from paper and tramp writes.] I, James Blue, of sane mind, promise to pay to 
Janush Droshka the sum of twenty thousand guilders for following services, to- 
wit : Said Janush I>roshka to kidnap a certain individual by name Sandur Bereny. 
Signed James Blue, Janush Droshka. 

Jacob, [examining cop3\] Very good! very good. [Drops copy on same 
place where the original was found.] 

Tramp. [Aside.] Thank God for having guided me here to this place. I havo 
the mystery solved. 

Jacob. 'What did you say, stranger? 

Tramp. I said — that I — 

Jacob. Yes, you shall have it. [Gives him a drink.] 

Enter Janush Droshka excited. Looks around the room and finds the note. 

Janush D. Ah, here it is ! 

Jacob. Have you lost anything, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. Only a trade contract, you know, Jacob, I sell a hoi'se ©ccasionally 
■which nets me a hundred or so. 

Jacob. Any developments concerning that dark mystery? 

Janush D. None whatever. 

Jacob. And how is his wife? 

Janush I). They say she is in a delirious state, and is walking from house to 
house looking for her husband. 

Jacob. Have you seen her, Mr. Droshka? 

Janush D. No, [aside] confound it! That Jew has some suspicion and thd 
sooner he leaves this locality the better, [aloud] Jacob, I have always been kind 
to you, patronized you, and in fact I am the best friend you have in the villagCj 
Now, Jacob, take my advice and remove to some healthier clime. 

Jacob. What are your reasons for advising me to leave? 

Janush D. Confidentially, I heard threats made against your life. 

Jacob. I know ! I know ! Thank you for your advice. I'll see-^I'll setti 
[Exit Janush Droshka.] [A knock heard at tlie door.] 

Jacob. Come in. 

Enter Jamks Blue. 

Jacob. [Very humbly.] I am flattered to receive such a visitor as your honor* 



10 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

You'll find this a very humble home, very. Take a seat, your honor, take a seat. 
[James Blue remains stiinding.] Your visit to my humble home must be of some 
importance. Command me, and I am ready to obey. 

Jamks B. I come to receive from you tlie quarterly rent, due me. 

Jacoh. Please, your honor, I haven't the money to-day; but give me a little 
time, and I'll pay you, I'll pay you. 

Jamks Bluk. Xo. Fay at once or leave my premises. 

Jacob. Your honor lias always been indul^^ent with me. I appeal to you not 
to drive me out of my humble home now. I am a poor man, very poor. Let me 
remain here and earn my daily bread. 

Jamks B. Listen to uie: If, within one hour's time, you should fail to pay the 
two hundred guilders you owe me, then out you go. 

• Tkami'. Sir, do not be so hard on the poor man. I see he is honest and will pay 
you. 

Jamks B. Who are you, to take up the cause of a miserable Jew? 

Tkamp. I am only a poor wandering tramp. Having listened to your conver- 
sation and knowing his condition, I plead for justice. 

Jamks B. Enough. Pleadings will avail you naught. You've heard my con- 
ditions, [turns to leave.] 

Jacob. Stop! Don't be too hasty. Consider. 

Jamk8 B. Nothing to consider. You need expect no leniency. 

Jacob. [Boldly.] I am obliged to you for giving me at least one hour's time to 
prepare. The dismissal of Sandur Bereny was on much shorter notice. Ha! 
You are turning pale; you quiver. 

Jamf.s B, [Aside.] What can he mean ? Is it possible that he knows my secret? 

Jacob. [Witli detiance.] Look at me, James Bine, I am anxious to give you a 
good for a bad turn. Your son-in-law, Sandur Bereny, w.as last night nuirdered 
in your house. With your permission. 1 can, in one hour's time, yea in half an 
hour, and should yon command me, I could even in less time point out the assas- 
sin. Ha, ha, ha! you are silent. 

James B. Yes, Jew. [Choking him.] I will silence you forever. 

Tramp. [Pointing pistol at Blue.] Release that man, or by heavens I'll pierce 
your black heart with a bullet. [Blue releases the Jew.] Your mission is ended, 
and you go. This man, in one hour's time, will either pay you two hundred 
guilders, the exorbitant rent you demand for this miserable hovel, or leave your 
premises. 

Jamks B. [Aside.] Whj' do 1 fear and <iuiver at that voice? He wears the garb 
ol a tramp, but his language is commandiiig like tliat of a lord. Should I be dis- 
covered, 1 swear by that is holy, the hangman shall never have the pleasure to tie 
his rope around ni}^ neck. [Aloud.] Your trampship wmII tind your interferenccB 
in this deal more fatal then you expect. [Exit James Blue.] 

Jacob. Sarah I Sarah ! 

Enter Sauau. 

Sarah. Did you call me, Jacob, my husband? 

Jacob. Yes, Sarah, ray wife. James Blue was here and demanded his rent, 
■we must pay it in one hour's time or leave his premises. And as we are not pre- 
pared to meet the demand, we are compelled to vacate. So have everything in 
readiness before that time expires. 

Sakah. Where shall we go? Ob, my God, have mercy on us! 

Jacob. Go— anywhere. To the middle of the road; to the forest. 

Sarah. Oh, Jacob, go to him and implore his pity and his mercy, pray to him, 
and his heart will soften. 

Jacob. [Shaking his head.] No, Sarah. It will be of no use. He is firm in his 
resolve, and is bent upon our ruin and total destruction. 

Sarah, [crying.] All — all is lost. And after so many years of toil and hard*- 
ships, we will yet die of starvation. 

Tkami'. Jacob, I too am a poor man. My past life has been one of misery and 
suft'ering. My experience exceeds your own. This is a treacherous world. I 
have learned the lesson, '"trust no one." Though my appearance does not indi- 
cate it, I have nevertheless succeeded in saving a little for emergencies. I could 
not use it to a better advantage than to help you with it out of your present diffi- 
culties. Here, take this ! [Gives him a purse.] And pay that villain his money. 

Jacob. Xo — no, my friend, I cannot accept your kind offer. I would rather 
die on the highway than accept alms; lam no beggar. Keep your money, my 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 11 

friend, God, in His goodness, sees flt to punish us; therefore, let His will be 
obeyed. 

Tramp. Don't consider it as an aim. I only offer it to you as a loan. Take it, 
and pay it back when you can. 

Sarah. This good man means well. Accept the lo^n and save us from misery. 

Jacob. Before accepting j^our kind offer, I must know to whom I am indebted 
for this noble act. Who are you, and what is your name? 

Tramp. Take my word for it, I am a perfect stranger in this village. I am 
what I am — a tramp. 

Sakah. Jacob, mj- husband. He is an angel, whom God in His mercy, sent 
here to deliver us from such a terrible fate. 

Jacob. My noble and Kind-hearted friend. You nuist be an angel in disguise, 
and I will accept your offer. May our God bless you 1 [Jew silenting blessing 
tramp who is kneeling before him.] 

SCENE 11.— ,S'c7j»»f «.« in Act I.—Scene I. 

Enter Susan, followed by Miska. 

Si'SAX. (cryinsj) Oii.oli, ohi ISfy poor mistress ! My poor mistress I Oh, oh, 
oh ! What caii I do ? What shall I do ? Oh, oh, oh ! 

Miska. Don't cry, Susan. Your good mistress will recover. Time, you know, 
will heal the wound. 

Susan. Oh, oh, oil! My poor mistress I she is crazed vvith grief. We cannot 
keep her in the house. Oh, oh, oil ! Just think, onlj' married one year and her 
kind, good husband snatched from her arms in the dead of night and murdered. 
Oh, oh, oh! 

Miska. (in a comical way) Boo, hoo, boo, boo, hoo, hoo, my good master mur- 
dered I (both cry.) 

Enter Luia", delirious. 

Lulu, (with a blank smile) At last you have returned. Come, let me embrace 
you. I was so lonely. Don't scold me, Sandur I Advance! Nearer, nearer ! Fear 
me not. Ha! You are leaving me again. No, no, no! You must not go ! (makes 
a dash and in a kneeling position embraces, imaginary.) Ha, ha, ha! I have j^ou 
now ! Oh, Sandur ! [ have suffered so much, so very much ! Father said that you 
had deserted me. Now that you have returned, we sliall part no more. Speak to 
me, Sandur, I am your wife, your Lulu. 

SusAX. My dear mistress, let me conduct you to your room. 

Lulu, (rises with animation.) Can't you see liim? lie is ascending — higher, 
higher, higher ! (with force) A ladder! Give me a ladder ! Quick! I say, give me 
a ladder! Can't you see him floating amongst tiie clouds? Now he is descending. 
(Exit witli arms extended, watching tlie clouds. Susan, crying, follows her.) 

Miska. (Imitating Lulu.) Higher, higher! She frightened the life out of me. 
I wonder, did she really see him going up to the clouds? (Talking to the clouds.) 
Master Bereny, fly down to your Miska, your companion, and here in my arras 
you'll be safe. To change the subject, that girl Susan, whenever she cries and 
carries on so, makes my heart ache. If my mind wasn't made up never to enter 
the padlock of matrimony, I believe Susan would be the ambition of my heart. 
One fault she has — too romantic. She don't believe in marrying just so. A fel- 
low will hare to make a beautiful speech to win her affections. Let me see, this 
way it goes: Susan, my bosom flower, (enter Susan, watching him unobserved) 
my everlasting bliss of harmony and suspense; let me entreat you to grant me at 
least one look of kindness and gratitude. Oh, Susan, if you only knew how mj"- 
heart revolutionizes at the sight of you! (kneels) Here, at your feet I kneel to 
pour out my undying love, a love true, untrampled, uucompromised and reliable. 
I cannot live without you ! Oh, Susan, say the word! 

Susan. Ha, ha, ha, ha! 

Miska. (confused) I am lost! Lost forever! (Exit both.) 

Enter James Bluk. 

Jamkhi B. All seems to work well and in my favor. As I thought Janush 
Droshka is the right man in the right place. After one year's time, the tragedy 
will be forgotten; liUlu Avill be hersrlf again; and the battle will be gained. 
Suppose, though, Lulu proves obstinate, and refuses to marry me? First and 
most important, she must learn thatX am not her father; furthermore she musc 



12 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

learn to obey me. I will picture to her, being an orpban and an outcast, wliat a 
life of misery slie would lead, sbould sbc persist in bcr obstinacy. 1 will conquer 
or die in tbe attempt I I fear but one individual, tiiat confounded Jew. He must, 
and sliall leave tbis part of tlie eountr}' or sbare tbe fate — 

Enter Janitsh Drosiika. 

.Tanush D. I perceive you are alone; were you expecting me? 

Jamks B. Xot exactly. But now tbat you are bere, we can end our business at 
tbe present moment as well as at any otber time. 

Janusii I). You bave guessed tbe object of mj^ visit. Your wisb bas been com- 
plied witb; Sandur Bei'cny is tbere, from wliere lie can never return. Poor fel- 
low! after be regained consciousness, be raved terribly and called bis wife. He 
seems to dread ber fate. 

Jamks B. So you say; tbere is no possibility of bis ever regaining freedom? 

Jani'su D. None. lie was talcen in cliarge of by one of tbe most desperate and 
dreaded robbers in Hungary; and carried into tlie interior of Wallacbia, tbere 
to be kept under tbe strictest surveilanee for a stipulated time. 

Jamks B. And after tbe expiration of tbat time? 

Janush D. Ha, ba ba! Do not trouble yourself. He will never return. 

Jamks B. Do you tbink it possible for any one in tbe A'illage to possess our se- 
cret? 

JANTsn D. No. Wbydoyouask? ' 

Jamks B. 1 bave good reasons to believe tbat Jacob, tbe Jew, eitber suspicions 
or knows tbe exact (urcumstances. 

.Janusu 1). Nonsense I He cannot possibly know; but I believe myself be will 
try to ferret out our secret; so tbe sooner be leaves tbe village tbe better for us. 
Suppose we now excliange compliments';' 

Jamks B. Wbat do you mean? 

Jaxtsu 1). A settlement, as per agreement. 

Jamks B. Very well. (Takes a purse from a secret drawer.) Have you the 
contract witb you ? 

Jan(ish D. Yes. (Hands bim contract, James Blue reads it in silence, be seems 
to be puzzled and becomes greatly excited.) 

Jamks B. Sir, do not trille with me. I am not in ajcstingbumor. 

Janusu D. I don't understand you! 

Jamks B. (striking tbe contract.) Tbis is not tbe contract I gave j'ou. 

•TANisir 1>. It is tbe same 1 received from you. 

Jamks B. It is a lie ! .Tanusli Drosiika, I repeat to you tbat I am not In tbe bu- 
mor for a Jest. Deliver to me tbe original, or ])y HeaVen I'll stab you to the lieart. 
(Produces a bowie knife.) 

Janush D. You need not excite yourself so; tbe contract bas been in m}' posses- 
sion since I received it from you. But if your little game is not to pay tbe money, 
necessity will comi>el me to expose tbe allair, and you can well imagine tbe conse- 
quence. 

Jamks B. Ab, ba, villain! I see now you are tbe one who has betrayed me. 
You cannot leave tbis room before you produce the original contract. 

Janusii D. I bave no otber. 

Jamks B. (stabbing bim.) Then die like a dog! 

Janish I), (falls lieavilf.) Murder! Murder! 

Jamks B. Now, .Tanush Droshka, you are at liberty to expose me! Fate! Oh, 
terrible fate ! Was I destined to be a murderer! (looks at contract.) Can it be 
possible tbat this is my own hardwriting? I was trying to avoid tbe murder of 
one, and now necessity compelled me— Oh, my God ! what have I done ! Wake Ja- 
nush Droshka — wake, and receive tbe twenty thousand guilders! (Reads contract 
again.) Yes; tbis is my own writing, my own signature. (Feels hand of J. D.) 
Dead ! Dead ! What can I do to hide this "miserable work? Ha! Some one is com- 
ing! (Exit in baste.) 

Enter Jkw, tirst standing at tbe door looking in. 

Jacob. Here I am to the minute. Two hundred guilders in one hour ! That 
stranger came to us from heaven to save us from utter ruin and starvation. Your 
money is right here, James Blue. (Tapping bis pocket.) But wliere can b(> be? 
Proud, avaricious James Blue; little do you know wbat tlie future will bring 
forth. Jacob Aaronson, whom you tried to oppress and drive out of house and 
home, will yet see you swing ou the galloMs. (Sees chairs upturned.) He must 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 13 

have left the room in haste, (sees body on the floor, shake.s him.) I say, my 
friend, wake up — intoxicated. Why, it is Janush Drosh — blood — a knife I He is 
dead ; some one lias murdered liim ! 

Enter Lulu, not seeing the Jew. 

Lulu. I he.ard voices — voices sounding; and resoundinej like a cyclonic thunder 
bolt. Oh, my God! liow my head aches! My husband — my — love — my future 
happiness — (crying) all — all taken from me ! My good, noble brave Sandur ! "Fear 
nothing" he said, "I liave not an enemy in the world." Oh, my terrible present- 
iments are at last realized ! (crying, then notices the Jew.) Ah, a stranger I Per- 
haps a messenger ! Do you bring me news from my husband? As yon believe in 
a God above, speak — don't hesitate. I can bear anything; is he dead or alive? 
(Kneels before Jew who is standing near prostrated body.) Here on my knees. I 
beg yon to have pity on me, and keep me not in such terrible suspense ! (sees body 
near her, becoming delirious.) I perceive you have brought him. Yes, it is he, 
mj' Sandur, my husband. Ila, ha, lia ! Wake, Sandur; your Lulu is by your side ! 
Your absence has caused me to suffer the terrible agonies of deatli. ila! Your 
hands are cold! What do I see? Blood! He is dead, mj' Sandur is murdered! 
(Rises and grasps Jew.) Yon, sir, murdered him! You shall not escape me ! 
(calling aloud) Fatlier! fatlier! I have the murderer. (Enter Susan, Miska and 
Tramp.) Here is my husband's murderer ! Oh, take him ! He is the miir — der — er 
— (falls unconscious over the bod}^) 

Tkamp. (to Jew.) Circumstances are strongly against you; therefore leave this 
countr)' as quickly as possible. 

Jacoh. I can prove my innocence. 

Tkamp. I am aware of that fact, for I know who killed Janush Droshka. Xev- 
ertheless you must flee. . 

Jacob. I must see my wife first. 

Tkamp. Xo; you must leave at once. I will inform her of the circumstances. 

Jacou. Take tiiis document, which is in itself a coaclusive evidence to convict 
the assassin. Yon must l)e prudent, and above all, protect my wife; go to her at 
once and console her, and God will award you for your kindness. 

Enter Jamks Bli'k. 

James B. (surprised) What does all this mean? 

Su.SAN. Please, your honor, a nnirder has been committed. 

James B. What! Some one nuirdered, and her* in my room? Who is it? 

Susan. We don't know who the man is that was killed ; but as we tmtered the 
room, my good mistress held thac man (pointing to Jew) and called him the assas- 
sin. 

Jamks B. Go at once for an oflkt^r; he must not escape. (Exit Miska and Su- 
»;an.) (Jew attempts to leave, James Blue blockades the passage.) Stop! You 
nuist await the arrival of the Gendarme. 

Tkamp. (Pointing pistol at James Blue) And I saj', you villain, he shall pass. 
(Quick curtain.) 



ACT III. 

SCENE I. — After a lapst, of one year — G-ardcn scene near mansion — Miska discovered 
working in the ijarden. 

Miska. Ever since the disappearance of Master Bereny, and the murder of Ja- 
nush Droshka, Master Blue has changed to a t.vrant, especially in his actions to- 
wards Mrs. Bereny. I heard him ask her what she would do if he should feel 
disposed to send her adrift. "P"'ather, my dear father," she exclainn-d, "I know 
you will never drive your tlaughter and only child from j-ou." ""But," said iie, 
''suppose 1 have no child !" Poor, poor Mistress, she is crying continuaiiy ; life is 
a mystery to her; and were it not for the hope that her husband may yet return, 
she Would, ere now, have ended her life. ]\Iaster Blue despises everybody, i)ar- 
ticularly the Jews. After the assassination of that horse dealer he sent scouts all 
over tlie country to apprehend .Jacob Aaronson, but the Jew left no trace behind 
him. "I would willingly give my entire fortune," said he, "to the man who 
would bring Jacob Aaronson to me, dead or alive. Would Jacob only show him- 
self to me, I "R'ould kill hluj ! Yes, sir, kill him dead I And as repentance, in coa-' 



14 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

nectlon witli riches, being an easy task, I would enjoy the possession of a vast 
estate, buy a title and live like a lord." • 

Enter Skoo. 

Skc.o. Hallo, contraband I 

MisKA, Contraband yourself, sir! Are you aware whom you are addressing? 

Skgo. Yes. A being closely connected to a Kangaroo, shaped like an ass, and 
with the addition of two horns, could pass for a devil. Ha, ha, ha! 

MiHKA. Sir, I say, sir, you are treading on dangerous grounds; take care! 

Skgo, Yoii are right, niy good fellow. And very poltiely I be^j your pardon. 
What may bo your name:' 

jVIiKKA. Mister Miska, 

Skgo. Miska who? 

Miska. As I am not interested in your name, you need not be in mine. But as 
Miska, with the annexation of a title; say for instance. Lord Miska, Baron Miska 
and so forth, sounds well; you need not make any further investigation. 

Sf.(;o. My good fellow, you don't understand me ; what was your father's name ? 

Miska. 1 want you to' understand, sir, that my fatiier was no vagabond like 
yourself, 

Skgo. I see you are a true and heroic fellow, let us make friends. 

Miska. I don't in particular seek friendship with such a man as you. 

Skgo. Come, I have a bit of information to ask of you. (Gives him some coins, 
which Miska with reluctance accepts.) Mr. Miska, do you know the whereabouts 
of a man, by name of .Janush Droshka? 

Mi.sKA. lia, ha, ha! Where do you hail from. Ha, ha, ha! 

Skgo. Was mj- question so ridiculous as to create such merriment? 

Miska. AVhy,.sir, Janush Droshka has been dead the last twelve months past. 

Sego. Ahem ! You certainly do not mean the same individual that I am allud- 
ing to! What was that man's profession? 

Miska. A horse dealer. 

Skgo, Then it surely must be the same. What was the cause of his death ? 

Miska. He was killed. 

Sego. Killed ! And pray tell me, who killed hira? 

Miska. A .lew by the name of Jacob Aaronson. 

Skgo. (shaking him) You are a lying scoundrel ; tell me the truth ! 

Miska. Phiase, sir, do not shake ine so! I was telling you the truth. 

Skgo. Where and how did Jacob kill him? 

Miska. About a year ago, soon after the disa])pearance of Mr. Bereny, Janush 
Droshka was found a bleeding corpse in Mr. Blue's room. He was stabbed by 
Jacob Aaronson. 

Skgo. Who is Mr. Blue? 

Miska. Mr. Bereny's father-in-huv. 

Sego. What reasons have they for suspecting Jacob Aaronson of the crime? 

Miska. At that time Mrs. Bereny was delirious on account of the loss of her 
husb'.ind. She happened to enter the room just as Jacob stabbed him. At such a 
terrible sight she regained consciousness and her cries brouglit us all to the scene. 

Skgo. (meditating) Hav« they arrested him? 

Miska. Xo, sir. He skipped clear out of sight, and left not one single trace 
behind him. 

Skgo. And where is his wife? 

Miska. Mrs. Bereny? 

Skgo. No. The wife of Jacob? 

Miska. She has no particular home; an infuriated mob has chased her through 
the village time and again, aad would have killed her, had it not been for the pro- 
tection of a strange individual. 

Skgo. Any one know that strange individual to whom you allude? 

Misk^v. No, sir. He dresses like a tramp, but all the village folks say he is a 
prince in disguise. 

Skgo. Where could I tind that trampisli looking fellow? 

Miska. He frequently loiters about these premises, and if you remain here an 
hour or so, you'll be apt to see him. 

Enter Sakaii. 

Sakah. (excited) Oh, Mr. Miska, please go to the village and seek that good 
Btrftngcr for uic ! Tell him inj' house was entered by a crowd of rQUghs, who droy© 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 15 

me out, and then burneil my house to the ground. (Miska hesitates.) Oh, Mr. 
Mi!<ka, I beseech you, jjo — do not hesitate 1 

Shgo. (aside) My poor mother ! She i^ persecuted, chased from phice to place 
like a wild uuluiul; wliile I, her son, whom she taught to he ^^ood and honest, 
stands before her unknown, an outlaw and a robber. Could I but cast awaj', for- 
get my past life, and make myself known to her, I would pn^tect her froui such 
terrible outrages. No, I cannot; she must never know that her son is a robber. 
MirtKA. It is utterlj' itnjjossibie for mo to comply with your wish; for should 
Mr. Blue discover that I carried a message for a ^*tw, he would at once discharge 
me. 

Sakau. I pray to you, do not make any distinctions, for we are all mortals, be 
it Jew or Gentile. We all have to give account to Him, who is the ruler ot tlie 
whole universe. 

Skgo. (giving him some coins) Accept this for your trouble, and go seek the 
man, as that good woman bids you. 

Miska. Very well, sir. 1 shall endeavor to tind the disguised prince; but re- 
member I am serving you. (Exit Miska.) 

Sakau. Thanks for j^our kindness, stranger? God in his goodness will reward 
you. 

Skgo. (as Sarah turns to leave) Do not go yet, Madame. (Sarah becomes 
alarmed) Fear me not; I have only a few questions to ask you. Are you aware 
of the whereabouts of your husband ? 

Sarah. No, sir. He left about a j'ear ago, and I have not heard from him since. 

Skgo. W^hat were his reasons for'leaving? 

Sakah. (sobbing) Oh, sir, do not ask niel My heart breaks to recall the occur- 
rence. (Cries bitterl3^) But' sir, being you are so kind, I will relate to you my 
history: Previous to our removal here, we lived in the town of Ujhely. A hap- 
pier family could not ])e found in the district of Zeinplin. Our union was blessed 
with two children, a girl and a boy. Enuna, our daughter, renowned in the 
Kingdom of Hungary for her beautj', was indeed a dutiful child. Troud were 
we, Jacob and I, to possess such a beautiful flower. But, sir, her beauty was our 
ruin and degradation. She denied honor, parents, religion and all for the sake of 
a man — a Gentile. At one time, a regiment of Austrian soldiers were stationed in 
our town. Amongst many of them who visited our shop, was a Colonel. One 
fine morning Emma and the Colonel were gone; they liad eloped. Oh, sir. (cry- 
ing) that was a terrible shock I Jacob, my husl)and, wlio is a strong orthodox, 
could not be reconciled; for months he took no food and from over exertion he 
was prostrated with brain fever. He lingered for a long time between life ami 
death, but thank God, he r»!COvercd. After regaiiung consciousness, he called me 
to his bedside and said : "Sarah, my wife, I have tried my utmost to end my ter- 
rible suft'erings, but God, in His wisdom, intends for me to live and expiate my 
sins." "Now, Sarah, my wife," said he, "you must never, never mention her to 
me. We have one child, a sou, a true specimen of humanity ; he will, like his 
forefathers, remain steadfast to his Jewish belief. Let our memories and the past 
vanish like shadows of the glittering moon." Sir, imagine the feelings of a wife 
and mother battling between her esteem and obedience to a husband, and her 
love for an only daughter! Dear as was my child to me, I had to succumb to the 
wish of my husband. 

Skgo. Hav(! you received any intelligence from your daughter since lu-r elojjc- 
ment. 

Sakah. Yes. Two years later, the Colou(d was promoted to Brigadier (Jencral. 
He afterwards took part in the bloody war between Maximillian ami the Mexicans; 
my poor child accompanied him there. He was captured, and during his imj)riH- 
onment, she died of a broken heart. 

Skgo. (agitated) And your sour' 

Sakah. (crving) He is dead. 

SKiio. Dead ! 

Sakah. Yes. kind sir, our miseries did not end there, for soon after that, Ave were 
deprived of our souj the essence of our lives. ^Vnd now, we are amongst strangers, 
childless, penniless and persecuted. 

Skgo. (sobbing) Your son dead — deadi' (aside) It is nuu-h better, he should ]«» 
dead ! 

Sarah. I perceive, sir, you are shedding tears, are you in sympathy with a poor 
Jewess ? 

Sbgo. My dear woman, I do sympathiyze with you ; your history reminds me of 



1^ 

16 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

uiy own. I iKive a niotbei', like; yon, who taujjht nie to walk the road of riu;hteoiis- 
iiess; but (so])bin<j; aloiul) instead, I have choticii depravity: she, too, thinks that 
I :iin (lead — )>ut — but I am livinji;, a rogue and a liighwayman. 

Sakah. What, a highwayinan ! 

.SK<i(>. (aside) Tlie strife — the terrible strife, minu;led betwixt duty, eonstrienee and 
deeds, nuist now or ni^ver eonie to an end. Could I but tear my heart from my 
body, eleanse and replace it I — oh, heart, guide of the human llesh, to you I plead; 
you'are the blame of my ilegretlation and misery; you, who is the guiile of good 
and bad, have foreed me to a life of corruption; and now you are coining in eonliict 
with my couscience, which listened to you, and acted according to your dictates. 
Too late to beat, — too late to jdead for reform I Your inky blood nuist continue to 
How through your black vessels I Conscience, my dear and oidy companion, do not 
forsake me in this critical moment; give me courage now, and I will abide by all 
your future tllctations. Horrible I oli, horrible; am 1 to cave to a momentary feel- 
ing I — Oh, never! I shall remain what I am. 

Sakah. Your actions, kind sir, eonliict with your statement. You may have 
eonunitted deeds revolting to a good and noble conscience as your own; but then, 
realizing the gross injustice of having done wrong in the past, may lead you to a 
path of righteousness in the tuture. Cast off those gloomy meditations ! And at .iny 
time call on poor old Sarah, who feels towards you as a mother. 

Si«;o. My dear womaii, do not ignite in »iy heart a sitigle spark that may, per- 
chance, increase to a glaring flame. I am not deserving of a mother. Yotu" kind- 
ness, though, I highly value. Should you ever think of your dead boy, think of 
nie, the niideservnig man, who is not fit to be acknowledged a son by any mother 
on earth. Let's change the sul)jeet. Will you please relate to me the circumstan- 
ces of that murder conimitted here about a year ago? 

jAMKg Bluk enters unobBerved. 

Sahah. (pointing to mansion) Do you see yonder house? There originated a 
(louble murder; tJiere, sir, was good" Sandur iJereny murdered; there, was the 
min-der of .Ianu:*h Droshka conimitted, the same hand that slew Sandur Bereny, 
slew .laiHjsh Drosbka also. Xow, sir, do you think it possible that my husband, 
an old and decrepid man, could conunit such deeds? (holding up hand) As true as 
there is a Cod above us, I swear that my husband is innocent. James Blue, who 
is vicious in his terrible prejudice against our people, ordered us at once to leave 
hin liouse, where we earned our bread andnieat, uidess we pay to him in one hour's 
time two hundred guilders. And had it not been for tlie stranger, Avho loaned us 
the money to satisfy tht; claim, our only resort would have l)eeu the Inghw ay and 
starvation. My husband reluctantly accepted the loan, and started at once to this 
house to redeem with it our livelihood. On entering the library', expecting to find 
Mr. Blue, he, to his great dismay, discovered the corpse of Janush Droshka. Be- 
tween fear and horror, he lingered in the room. Mrs. Bereny, in a delirious state, 
entered ; she caught fast hokl of Jacob, and denounced him as the nun-derer. 
Ijuekily, that good stranger again happened to be on liand, and with his assistance, 
and good advice, my husband escaped. 

Skgo. (aside, Sarah in the meantime on the lookout for "the stranger") True 
enough; the man wiio killed Sandur Bereny murdered Janush Droshka; and now, 
possessing the secret and knowing my man, I shall make a demand. The instiga- 
tor of those crimei? shall pay double the sum. Aha I Pard Blue ! You have killed 
your man, to bury your guilt, and sav<' your Avealth ; but rest assured, your liberties 
are not settled. 1 shall demand an acciu'ate account, and conjpronnse at mj- pleas- 
ure. 

Jamks B. (aside) Yes, I sliall render an accurate account and compromise much 
.sooner than you anticipate. (Exit in haste.) 

Sarah. Here they come I 

Enter Tkami- anel Miska. 

Tkamp. What is the trouble? 

Si:(i(). I have just met this good woman l)y chance, and she has related to nje how 
she is ]M'rsecuted by the people. Her contlltion and ])leadiiig touched my heart 
with pity ; though I am not a man of wealth, I would contribute a sum of money 
to make her moi-e comfortable. 

Tkami*. Thanks, my friend. We are not in need of pecuniary assistance, this 
woman needs peace — peace. You understand? 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 11 

Sk(}0. Perfectly. Well, then, suppose Ave provide for her subsistence in the town 
of Ujhely ? 

Tkamp. (Who has been closely watching Sego since entering, and now begins to 
recognize him.) My good fellow, you seem to be particularly interested in this 
woman's welfare — and it may be your duty. My boy, I think I know you, (Sego 
confused) ha, you are confused! liy jingo, I shall risk my judgment! (extending 
his hand) Shake! 

Sego. (unconcerned) I have no objections to shaking hands with you — but — you 
are, ahem, decidedly mistaken in the man. 

Tramp. General Schutz is never mistaken. 

Sego. What! 

Tkami". I mean, were you not under the command of General Schutz? 

Sego. That is an idle question. There were thousands under his command. 

Tramp. One more question, are you not a brother-in-law to General Schutz? 

Sego. (with sai'casm) Ha, ha, ha! Well, said my friend — I, a brother-in-law to 
General Schutz! (aside) I am identified as sure as -the sun shines, and must make a 
break for liberty, (aloud) You are certainly jesting, or a false idea has taken pos- 
sessioi of you. In either case, to set you right, I introduce myself to you as Sego, 
a land agent. 

Tramp. Sego, the land agent, be hanged ! I am talking to Samuel Aaronson ! 

Sarah. Merciful God ! 

Tramp. My dear woman, this is your son. What object he may have had in dis- 
guising his identity, I cannot tell, nor do I care to know. 

Sarah. Mj' cliild living, and here before me ! (weeps) Too nuich joy, too much 
happiness to be real ! Oh, speak to me ! I^et me look into your eye, tliere 1 may dis- 
cern tlie link of aii Aaronson. (Sego faces her) It is he — my son, my long lost child I 
(both weep and embrace. J 

Enter Soldiers. 

Captain. In the name of his Majesty, Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria, and 
King of Hungary and Bohemia, I iiercby demand an unconditional surrender of a 
certain individual; description, (reads) Six feet two, dark complexion, black 
moustache, small black eyes. Said individual, who is charged with murder and 
robbery, is now on these premises. 

Sego. I am the man you are looking for. Don't weep, mother; it is as I ex- 
pected. It had to come sooner or later. Remember your son, as he was once up- 
on a time, true and aftVctionate. Let tiie present be a fiction to your memory. 
To you, the friend of my poor mother, I appeal; protect her from all future evil ! 
The eluirges brought against me are true, and mj' doom is sealed. Now, one more 
duty you must perform. Sandur Bereny, wlio Is supposed to be dead, is living, 
but is kept for a ransom b}^ a band ot fierce men, my followers. Go, as soon as 
possible to the town of Batchatka in Wallachia; from there take the mainland 
highway, and you'll reach a valley, a cluirch you'll uotice to the right, there com- 
mences a chain of mountains which you must climb. Take this whistle, blow 
three times at intervals, and you'll hear an answer. Guard yourself Avell, as they 
are fierce and desperate hounds, and will fight to the last drop of blood. Mother, 
let me embrace you once more, and give you my farewell kiss. (Soldiers march- 
ing out with Sego as the curtain descends. Tramp supporting Sarah who is cry- 
ing. Miska bewildered. Slow curtain.) 



ACT IV. 

SCEXE — Parlor. tSitsan siiujiiuj and dmlincj furniture, Miska asleep in a chair. 
Susan tickles him loith a straw; Miska tries to catch imaijinury fly; Susan continues 
sihging. 

Miska. (in his sleep) Twenty-six feet, sich inches, black sourtach. I am — 
(Susan tickles him) fiercely inhabited — (a tickle) — corruption the true nature of 
manliood — (a tickle) caught on the fiy— (a tickle) fiee, tliey are on your trail (a 
tickle and Miska catclies the straw.)* 1 have you now, you soh of the desert! 
(wakes.) 

SusAX. Ha, ha, ha! Did you catch him, hold on to him, squeeze him tight. 
Ha, ha, ha ! 

Miska. (rising) Are they coming? 
. Susan. Who? 



18 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

MiSKA. Robbers and Foldiers. 

Susan. Ila, ha, ha! You are dreaming with your eyes wide open. 

MisKA. 1 am not dreaming. It is true, true, as sure as you are born. Are we 
alone V 

Susan. Yes. 

MisKA. (Mislva going from door to door on tip toe, then in a whisper) Tliey got 
him. 

Susan. Got who? 

MiSKA. A son of tlie Jewess, a robber, a murderer, six feet two, dark complex- 
ion, black nioustache and so forth. 

Susan. Ila, ha, lia! You have lost your senses I what are you taking about? 

MiSKA. (coming closp to Susan) Listen. Yesterday, wliilst I was in the garden 
working, a large, suspicious looking fellow walked up and questioned me in an in- 
sulting manner concerning the wliereabouts of Janusli Droshka. I, of course, re- 
sented the insult in a becoming manner; in the meantime, Sarali, the Jewish 
woman, I'an up to me, and begged me to go after that tramp for her, the same 
wlio has been loitering about here for twelve months or so. I refused to go; but 
the big, dark looking fellow put a lot of jingling coins into my hand, and you 
know, under those circumstances, 1 took pity on the Jewess. And as luck would 
have it, I found tlie tramp in tlie tavern. On coming back, we found Sarah in 
close conversation with tliat dark man. The tramp recognized him, and told tlie 
Jewess in plain words that the big fellow with black moustache w as lier son. The 
joy between mother and son was of short duration, for just then a brigade of 
soldiers came upon us, and arrested the big man, accusing him of being a mur- 
derer and robber. (Susan becomes interested; Miska lowei'iiig his voice.) Su- 
san, can you keep a secret? 

Susan. 1 can. 

Miska. Let me see your tongue I (Susan shows her tongue) Oh, no, I must not 
tell you I 

Susan. Why not, Miska? 

Miska. Because. I am a good judge of human nature, on that tongue of yours 
I can see plainly engraved the word "woman." And a woman, you know — can't 
keep a secret. 

SusAX. I shall prove myself exceptional. 

Miska. Swear to me, that what I am about to relate to you Avill remain a sacred 
secret. 

Susan. I swear. 

Miska. Master Bereny is living. 

Susan. How do you know? 

Miska. The big man with black moustache said so. lie gave the tram]) a whis- 
tle, told him to go to Batchuka — Batchaka — or somewhere — in Wallachla, and blow 
up the robbers three times; then rescue our master, Sandur Bereny. 

Susan. I must go at once and tell Mistress Bereny the good news. 

Miska. Stop ! IIow about >our tongue ? 

Susan. But I must go. 

Miska. Beware, girl I It may be the cause of her death. Suppose he has de- 
ceived us, tlien the disappointment would be fatal to her. You see, (Susan watching 
his arms encircling her waist) I and the tramp Mill go to Wallachla, follow the 
trail of the robber band, kill all those desperadoes and rescue Master Bereny. 
Then, by degrees — you know, by degrees — we will slowlj^ — and with the greatest 
precaution — 

Susan, (slaps him) You are impertinent, sir I (Exit in opposite directions.) 

Enter James Blue. 

James B. Now all difficult tasks are over. The fierce battle, which has been 
raging; is now at an end. My last emeny, whom chance has thrown in mj^ path, 
is now well out of reach. I can at last breathe freely. Twenty years have passed, 
and yet it seems to me like yesterday when General Schutz placed his child, then 
only two years old, in my arms. With tears in his eyes, he said : "Friend James, 
take this treasure of mine and raise it, watch over it as if it were your own, and 
should I fail to return within a reasonable time, know tliat I am dead. My estates 
in Vienna and Pest I have willed to my child. Take this letter of introduction," 
said he, "to Herr Von Kramer, my banker, and he will show you all courtesies." 
I at once crossed the line of Mexico, and reached Vienna in due time. Herr Von 
Kramer informed me, that in the letter of introduction, he was ordered to pay me 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIK. 19 

thirty thousand guilders; also, that the entire fortune of the General, valued at 
over one million florins, was to be given to Lulu, his child, after her marriage ; 
but should father and daughter both be dead, before the time specified in the will, 
then said properties shall be disposed of for charitable purposes, naming various 
institutions. Instantly the idea took possession of me to raise that great fortune 
for myself, said idea, I have continued to cultivate. I have been watching Lulu 
since her infancy, and for reasons beneficial to myself, did not divulge to her the 
secret concerning her parentage and fortune. But my plans were upset by Sandur 
Bereny, who married her without my knowledge. My feelings were mingled 
with disappointment and revenge. I formed a plot by Avhich to rid myself of the 
thief, who had stolen from me a clear million. My success in that dangerous un- 
dertaking is unprecedented. The path is now clear with but one exception; to- 
^^y — 3^es, to-day. Lulu must promise to become my Avife. (rings bell.) (Enter 
Susan.) Tell Mrs. Bereny that I recpiest her presence immediately. (Exit Susan.) 
Glorious! I feel as happy as a young successful lover I I have no doubt but Lulu 
will acquiesce to become my wife. Since I have informed her of her relationship 
to me, she has changed in temperament. No doubt she will regard her future 
hapi^iness ! 

Enter Lri.u. 

Lulu. Has anything discomposed you, father? 

Jamks B. f have requested you, Lulu, once, twice, thrice, not to call me father! 

LuLr. AVhj', sir, should you object to me calling you father ? If you are not my 
father legitiiuately before God, you are, sir, a father to me before men. You have 
raised me from my infancy, taught me to respect you as a daughter should re-, 
spect a father, and now j^ou forbid me to call you by that name ! 

James B. 1 wish to have a serious conversation with you, pray to he seated. 1 
trust you ai-e perfectly sensible of the fact that you stand alone in this Avorld, that 
your past life is shrouded in mj'stery; which, cembined with your present situa- 
tion, places you in need of protection. I have, as you said, raised you, cared for 
you, supplied all your wants, then saw you happily married, and comfortably 
situated; but fortune has plaj'ed bad with you. I have forbidden you to call me 
father, so you must regard me with a ditterent feeling to those of a daughter. 

Lulu. I don't understand you. 

Jamks B. Your happiness will be complete by making me one promise. 

Lulu. I am not aware what promise you may exact of me. If just and reason- 
able, and not calculated to destroy all my future prospects and happiness, I reply 
in the afiirinative. 

Jamks B. A woman like you, Madame Bereny, has no right to make exceptions. 
Your want of experience, which is oidy a name for your ignorance of life, renders 
you incompetent to form any estimate of what constitutes, or may constitute, your 
happiness. 

Lulu. Happiness, in what sense, sir? 

James B. In any sense, Madame. 

Lulu. Why address me in a tone of such coldness, if not of severity? All I ask 
of you is, that when you do honor me with an interview, you will remember that 
I am something more to you than an utter stranger. 

Jamks B. The tone, which I may assume towards you must be regulated by 
your obedience. 

Lulu. But in what have I ever failed in obedience to you? 

Jamks B. Perhaps you compliment your obedience prematurely. It has never 
j'etbeen seriously tested. 

Lulu. 1 do not wish, sir, to make allusions to the past, unless simply to say, 
that when severe and trying instances of obedience have ever been exacted of me, 
I trust I have not been found wanting in duty towards you. 

James B. That obedience, Mrs. Bereny, which is reluctantly given, had better 
have been forgotten. 

Lulu. You have forced me to remember it in my own defence, but I am not 
conscious that it was reluctant. 

Jamks B. You contradict me. 

Lulu. No, sir, I only take the liberty of setting you right. My obedience, if 
you recollect, was ever cheerful; for I did not wish to occasion ill between you 
and my husband, my dear Sandur! Why should tliore bo such a dialogue as this 
between us. It is not natural, something I see has disoomposecl your temper, I 
am ignorant of it. 



20 THE JEW OF ZEMFLIN. 

James B. You are riojlit; but let us not ponder over past errors. We have a 
great future before us; therefore let us cultivate good will, learn to love one an- 
other; in other words, Lulu, my intentions are Jirnily set upon to make you my 
wife. You grow pale I 

Ltilu. I am indeed pale, and I feel that I am, for what is there that could drive 
the hue of modesty fi"om the cheek of a woman sooner than the fact of such prop- 
osition ! But I trust you jest, sir. As a man and a gentleman, you would not think 
seriously of making such a proposal to nic. 

.James B. All very line sentiment; very line sLulTand nonsense! There is one 
thing, Mrs. Bereny, you are certain to become, and that is Mrs. James Blue. Ke- 
member, also, that I am determined j'ou shall marrj'^ me, yes, you shall marry me, 
or he turned a begger out into the world. 

Lulu. I appeal directly to your honor! Such experience will prove very unfor- 
tunate to yourself as well as to me. 1 go upon my knees to you, and entreat you, 
as you regard my honor and my future -peace of mind, to erase the idea you enter- 
tain. 

James B. Come, Lulu, be good to me, you are all I have in the world, and if I 
appear harsh to you, it is only because 1 love and am anxious to make you happy. 
Come, put confidence in me, and rely upon my affection and generosity. 

Lulu. I know not how to reply to you, sir. You have placed me in a position of 
almost unexampled distress and "nain. (sobbing.) 

James B. Don't weep. Lulu ! I am not harsh to you now. 

Lulu. Alas, I am not ignorant of your stern and indomitable character! But I 
must confess to you that my affections are for him, Sandur Berenj^ my Juisband. 

James B. He is dead, and besides, he was a weak-minded and indiscrete man; 
he taught you hypocrisy, and in every instance where you go contrary to my will, 
you act upon his principle. 

Lulu. My husband, sir, was all truth, all goodness and affection ! I will not 
hear his blessed memory insulted by the vcrj' man, who above all others, ought to 
protect and revere it. If it be our duty to defend the absent, is it not ten thousand 
times more so our duty to defend the dead? Shall a wife hear, with ac(piiescence, 
the memory of her husband loaded with obloquy and falsehoods? ;No, sir, menace 
and abuse me as much as you wish, but I tell j'ou while I have life, and the power 
of speech, I will fling back, even into your face, sir, the falsehoods, the gross and 
unmanly falsehoods with which you insult his tomb and calumniate liis memory 
and his virtues. Do not blame 'me, sir, for this language. I would be glad to 
honor you if I could. 

James B. Xow mark me — mark me, Madame, you sliall sleep under lock and 
key. I tell you, 1 shall use the nio#t vigorous measures with you, the severest, the 
harshest, that I can devise. I shall break that stubborn will of yours. Do not 
imagine for one moment that you will overcome me ! Xo, sooner than you should, 
I would break your spirit — I would break your heart. 

Lulu. What right have you to threaten me? Who are you, sir, to address me 
so? You say that my existence is a mystery, — I deny your treacherous charge! 
You, sir, you have tried to blind me as to my name, claiming for me no home, no 
kin, but that 1 am an outcast. I may be what }'ou claim, but having tlie satisfac- 
tion that acowai'd, a scoundrel, and a miserable wretch like yourself, thank God, 
is not what I thought him to be. I am proud of my ancestry! 

James B. Woman, how dare you speak to me in sucli insulting language! 

Lulu. My language, sir, is but mild compared to my feelings. The last few 
minutes has wrought a wonderful change in me, I am no more the Lulu you have 
raised me to be. I wish to impress it on your mind, that 1 am Mrs. Bereny and 
as such must be respected. . 

James B. Woman, you are toying, unawares, with a lion's paw! You have 
blighted my future prospects, I shall bliglit yours, (noise Avithont) Henceforth 
your smooth road of virtue shall be rugged 'with thistles and thorns. No — no, 
Madame, you will not be, as you claim, the wife of Sandur Bereny ! (takes hold 
of her, noise without increasing) I will complete my purpose. 
Lulu. Help! Help! 

James B. Bv making of you a type of physic.iJ wretchedness — 
Lulu. Help! Help! 

James B. Cripple your honor, lower your high-mindedness and break your 
heart and spirit ! ' 
Lulu. Help ! Help ! (noiae increasing without.) 
James B. Your existence is in my power-^ 



THE JEW OF ZE3IPLIN. 21 

Enter Sarah. (James Blue releases Lulu.) 

Sarah. Save me, oh, save me! (without, kill the Jews I Down with the Jews.) 

.Jamks B. What right hare j'ou to enter mj' house? This is no asj'lum for the 
like of you ! 

Sarah. Sir, I pray to you, save me! My life is in your hands, should you drive 
me from here, they would kill me. 

Enter village folks armed with sticks, pitchforks, etc. 

Villagers. There she is ! Let's have her, down with her I 

Enter tramp, forcing his way through the crowd and»facijigj,y)em. 

Tramp. Stand back ! Are you not ashamed to chase a poor and innocent wo- 
man? What has she done to deserve such treatment? 

A Peasant. She has done enough — 

All. Yes, she has done enough I Down with her ! Down with her ! 

Tramp. Stand back, 1 say, the first man who dares to lay hands on this wonnm 
will die in the attempt. 

James B. Fear no one, friends, you are welcome in my liouse. The person, 
j'ou seek has no protection under my roof. She is the wife of the Jew, J;icob, 
who mui'dered Janush Droshka. (Great excitement amongst villagers.) 

Tramp. Listen to me ! 

A Pkasant. Let's hear what he has to say ! 

Tramp. If you seek the murderer of Janush Droshka, my friends and fellow 
countr^^men, I will join you hand in hand to capture the assassin. The fellonious 
ciiarge of that man yonder, (points to J. B.) that tliis woman's husband killed a 
man, is false. My fellow countrymen, the man who killed Sandur I^ereny is here; 
and the cold blooded murder of Janush Droshka wasconiiuittcd liy the same cow- 
ardlj* assassin. I accuse, and firmly assert, witli sufiicient proof and evidence to 
substantiate; there, (pointing to J. B.) there, stands the murderer. 

J^tMEs B. How dan; you, sir, make sucli false accusations? 

Tramp, False, did you say ?. (shows him a document) Look at this! This, sir, 
is the original for M'hich you killed Janush Droshka. Now, can you deny your 
guilt? 

Jamks B. (looking at document) How — how, came you in possession of this? 
And wlio are j^ou? 

Tramp. Over fifteen years, traveling all over the continent, have I sought for 
'your abode, and discovered, only by chance, your present locality. You have 
asked me on various occasions who lam. (removes disguise) Xow, James Blue, 
do you know me! You traitor and perjurer ! Your compensation for raising mj' 
child Avould have exceeded any and all reasonable expectations had not your 
treachery led you to the mo*t terrible deeds. You had, as you thought, disposed 
of all enemies, but, sir, the true nemesis has for the last twelve months followed 
your footprints. 

.Tames B. Impossible! You are an imposter! Away — away — General Schutz is 
not living, sir — (General looks him steadily in the face) Oh, turn tliat face from me, 
those features are a terrible vision, (aside) I have recorded an oath, that the hang- 
man shall never have the pleasure to tie his rope around my neck. General, you 
shall see me pay a penalty for my own crimes; but never, at tlie foot of tiie gal- 
lows, (draws pistol and tires at liimself, staggers and holds to chair for supjiort) 
Lulu — Lulu — fear me not now! Before my soul takes its eternal llight, promise 
me — Oh, lam dying I — Come nearer, IjuIu, and let me call you once more, my 
child. Lulu, forsive me, I have wronged you. Tlie word father, from your sweet 
lips, would be an everlasting bliss. But. oh, there— there Lulu, stands your — I 
am dying (staggers) — oh — (falls to fioor) oh, say you forgive me! Forget the ter- 
rible past! (faintly) oh. Lulu, my child— once more— forgive me! (curtain.) 



AC r V. 



SCENE I. — Wallachia. A vaUi'il, a sniall oh urch and mumitain scene neixr h;/. Priest 
discovered pacuuj the r/round meditcliiuj. Curate icatchin'j Priest. 

Priest. Thine eyes must have no dinibt deceived thee or likely a dream ap- 
peared to thee so natural, that the impression remained like a reality. 

Curate. No, holy father, it wils no illusion. I saw the old regiment pass our 
holy church and with steady atcpa march up tho mountain* 

pRiKst, Art Uiou sure, thaii t)>ey Wei't? AiwUnnna? 



^-^ 



..^,';^ 



22 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

CuRATK. Not only did I recognize tliem by their uniform, hut was aghast with 
wonderment, to see them led by General Sehutz, whom 1 have met at various 
times in Vienna. 

Pkikst. Therefore, my dear Curate, it is a foregone conclusion, for such a great 
personage would surely not trail a robber band, 

CruATK. I heard them t:".!k, lioly fatlier, and the last remark of the General was, 
"we must capture those infernal scoundrels, if strategj' fails, violence must be 
used, in brief — they must be taken, dead or alive." Tliose, my holy father, were 
liis last utterance:^. And — 

Pkiest, j(^ai^^«f|'^eruptH»n on thy tongue, be thj'- reward for thine contempti- 
ble !?ilencel Miserable man, art tiiou ignoi-ant, that a prevailing evil is a blessing? 
The fear of harm, by a ijrevailing evil, is the cause of a future redemption, and 
sure salvation. How could our church exist, were it not for that powerfid re- 
deemer, "Fear." The dread <jf an earthly punishment exceeds a thousand times 
the possibility of an everlasting hell and (himnatioii. 

CruATE. llolj- father, where am 1 in error":' 

Pkikst. 1 have repeatedly expressed to thee the necessity of retaining the robber 
band, as they are ordained by God to perform a very difficult task, — to punish all 
evil doers ; and thou being well informed, couldst thou let those soldiers pass with- 
out saying a word ? 

CuKATE. But, in what waj^ could I keep them from itV 

Pkikst. A braggard's talk! Mislead them, send them on a fool's errand! In the 
meantime, the necessary ju-ecautions could have saved all. Go, miserable man,- 
and repent! (Curate enters church, organ sounds within) 
In the ambush out of sight, 
A stray bullet perchance maj^ light. 
In this instance, a sure and well-aimed bullet will strike, and what will be the 
conse(picnceV An annuity of one thousand ducats a year, a princely income, in- 
stantaneously evaporates, and I remain a poor country priest! Gold, the powerful 
indicator of freedom and independence, stands aloft above any and all religious 
arguments. 

A villain, but rich with open purse, 
May enter tiie gates of heaven. 
The God-fearing pious, but poor, 
Eternal damnation their lot may be. 

AV'here praj'crs fail, gold in all instances will accomplish its purpose. I nuist trust 
to chance. Should tlie soldiers canture mj' handilarks, I am lost, yes, eternallj' 
lost. 

Enter JACor,, blind, bent almost to the ground, supporting himself on crutches. 

.Tacoh. Oh, my God, let my miseries cease! I can Avalk no further, (feeling his 
way with crutch) could I but find a place to rest! 

Pkikst. (aside) By heavens, a .Tew, and here amongst civilized people! 

.Jacoh. Privation, hunger and miseries beyond any ones conception, has fol- 
lowed me for over a year! Where will my miseries end ! Oh, Lord, of Israel, I 
pray to Thee again, thou, oh Lord, in Tliy goodness hast Seen fit to deprive me of 
all, my wife — my children — mj^ freedom — and last but not least, my eyesight, 
"which was my only guide. Oh, my tongue is parched, (finds a bench and drops 
on it exhausted) Water! I will call, some one may be near and hear me. (.feebly) 
Halloo! Halloo! 

Pkikst. Yes, some one is near. What dost thou wish? 

Jacois. Thank, God ! I was heard. My good sir, as you see, I am a poor blind 
man,. I am so ver}^ thirsty, will you have the goodness to supply me with a drink 
of water? Only water, kind sir! 

Pkik.st. Whence hailest tliou? 

Jacoh. I have no particular abode. I am wandering from place to place, seek- 
ing for something, v,hicli I hope shortly to find. 

Pkikst. What'is it? 

Jacob. Death. 

Pkikst. (aside) If, as rich as a Jew and as poor as a chuich mouse, is a true 
proverb, I shall fry to turn a stone, there may be some precious metal gained by 
analyzngtho (quartz. All Jews are rich, they are the moncj'- kings; and if I was 
told right, the richer the Jew, tlio more his pleadings and meanings. This must 



M Ca^^^-^^ 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLI^. 23 

be a true specimen, (aloud) So, God's chosen son, thou art wishing to die? Too 
poor to live, I suppose. 

Jacob. No, sir! That is not my reason, I have wealth — one ruby I possess, 
which may be worth millions. Yea, sir, no money on earth could purchase it. 

Pbiest. (aside, delighted) I thought so, 1 thought so. (aloud) Strange, tliou 
roamest the country with such a precious stone about thee, and without fear of 
being robbed. 

Jacob, (couglis) Kobbed, (coughs) robbed, did you say? A worhl of robbers 
could not take it from me. (coughs) I liave begged you, sir, for a drink of water 
(couglis) I am so very weak I 

Prikst. (aside) A capital idea, (takes a powder from his pocket) He shall 
drink the water served by me. This bhie mineral will do tl>e work, and tlie ruby 
will be mine, (aloud) 1 perceive tliat tbou art weak and a good draught of fresh, 
sparkling, spring water may revive thine health andspirit. Yes, yes, I will serve 
thee mj'self. (Exit Priest.) 

Enter Miska, comically attired in traveling suit, makes striding steps and takes 
observation of the surroundings. 

Miska. Take the mainland liighway from Batchatka, and you'll reach a valley, 
a little church you'll observe — correct, this must be the valley, hut to all intensi- 
ties, the little church is in obscurity, (walks against the church) I surren- 
der! Corrugate me, if this edifice is not the very church 1 am looking for! 
I am in luck! Proverbially speaking, you must rise early to gather the diainond- 
ti/ed and pearly dew, which by interpretation, a foregone- conclusion, conclusively 
concluded, by simply remarking the simple simyjlicity remarkable occurred. 
And, now, tlie surety of rigliteousness, being very favorable in \n\ favor, I must 
not lose a moraenteous moment but climb this mountainous moniitaiti. (scratches 
his head) Suppose General Schutz has not arrived ; perhaps some accident may 
have befallen him. I will make imiuiries, some one maj- give me the information 
1 desire, (espies Jacob, whistles, aud with long striding steps advances, and taps 
him on the shoulder) Good luck to j'ou. . 

Jacob. I am l)urning — only a little wateV, kind sir! 

Miska. Bless your soul, here old man, (gives him canteen,) driidv to your heart's 
content! (as Jacob drinks, iliska recognizes him) "What do I see I Is this an illu- 
sion ! Am I dre:uning ! Can this be a possible possibility I Jacob, Jacob, 1 am indeed 
in luck ! (embi'aces him) I am happy, too happy for utterance. Jacob, Jacob, mj^ 
happiness, in finding you here, exceeds all descri^jtive happiness, (casts Jacob from 
him) Ah, ha! Jacob! I found you at last. My entire fortune to the one who would 
bring to me Jacob, the Jew, either dead or alive, said my master, James Blue; and 
now my fortune is made, (enter Priest with nuig in hand) Come, Jacob, I must 
kill you; yes, kill you! I have sworn to do so in order to get possession of.a vast 
estate. (Priest placing his finger to his nose, Miska astonished at the sudden ap- 
pearance of Priest.) 

Priest, (in a whisper) Sh ! — I have heard all, but thott ncedst not fear me. I 
will assist thee and we will devide the spoil. 

Miska. What do you mean? 

Pkiest. Tliat Jew, whom thou art about to kill, has a ruby in his possession 
worth millions. Think of it — millions ! Xow take this nuig, he is craving for water, 
and let him drink its contents. In two nunutes after it, our fortune will be made. 
Canst thou miderstand ? 

Miska. (thinks) Possible. 

Pkikst. Be quick, time is precious, some one may come. Take this mug. (Miska 
takes nmg.) 

Miska." My priesflv Priest, proverbially speakuig, possession being nine points 
in law, I have the drop on you ! 

Priest. Tliou wilt surely not impair thine own frei'dom by proving obstinate. 

Miska. Did you really think that I would kill that poor old man? Yon are, sir, 
mistakably mistaken. I %\ould not hurt him for all the millions made, (turning 
to Jacob) Look, Jacob, this man imagines you possess .a fortune, and aimed to giye 
you poison. 

Jacob. Your voice is very familiar to my ears, but my memory has failed me, 
therefore I cannot call your name. And as you jjerceive, I am blind. 

]Miska. Blind ! Oh, Jacob, how terrible uuist your sufferings have been. Don't 
you remember Miska? • 

Jacob, (coughing and delighted) Miska! The servant of that good and noble 
man, Bereny ? How came you here ? Tell me, how long since have you left home ? 



24 THE JEW OF ZEMPLW. 

How i.s my Avife, is she livins:':' (Mif;ka weeps) Do not keep me in suspense! Tell 
me, Mr. Miska, I can bear all sad tidings! 

MisKA. Sinec yiMi left lionie, Jacob, a great many clianges have taken place, in 
fact, the wheel of fortune tui'iied the lucky niunbei-, and serenity once more reigns 
supreme. AVell, Jacob, to tell you all that has happened would impair my life by 
straining my lungs to an excess. James Blue connnitted suicide. Mrs. Eereny has 
a new father, your wite is in good health, and well taken care of, Master Bereny is 
living and Avill be rescuetl from the clutches of a roliljer hand; your son with the 
mousiache was arrested — that tells the story Ijrietly related. 

Jacob. Are you going to some certain place':' 

MisKA. Take the mainland highway from the town of Batchatka and you'll 
reach a valley, a little church you'll notice. AVithout coroboration, proverbially 
speaking, I am a m.essenger from Mrs. Bereny. 

FiUKST. 'J'hou art not in a mood, my son, calculated to digest a joke. That mug 
contains only pun- water. 

MisKA. Inasmuch as I reverently revere the cloth yon wear, I deem it my duty, 
proverbially si^eakiiig, to iletaiirthis little mug of water or to prove to me the inno- 
cence of this blue tinted liquid, 1 would kindly and resjtectfully request you to di-ink 
it. And wliilst I am in such good humor, proverbially speaking, to digest a good 
joke, I insist — yes, you must and shall drink this pui-e spring water. 

PuiKST. i^ot so hasty, my son, not so hasty I Thou art not accustomed to this, 
our country. Our climate, my son, is not as palatable as in Hungary, therefore, 
beware. Begulate thy spirit, at least, whilst thou art in Wallacliia. Keep the pro- 
verb before thee : 

Silence means wisdom, 
Only a fool talks at ramdom. 
I have the nower to liave thee incarcerated and thy freedom will be impaired thereby. 
Thou canst avoid all trouble by simply returning to me that nuig of water. 

MisKA. I fear you not! The fabrication you were trying to establish, that this 
poor man has a rul)y worth millions, w:us a treacherous intrigue. 

Jacob. Do not enter into controversj', on my account, trouble may be the conse- 
quence. The jewel 1 possess could not he extricated from me. It has l)een handed 
(town from generation to generation. 3Iy forefathers were persecuted for the same 
heautiful ruby ; nation after nation have tried to rob us, but it shines as brilliantly 
to-day as it did three thousand yeai's ago. Judaism, the origin of religion and civ- 
ilization, is the rubj' 1 possess. 

MisKA. 11a, ha, ha! Convulse yourself for your foolhardiness. 

Sandik Bkbkxy appears on mountain in a dilapidated condition, looks behind liim. 
The setting sun illuminates his face. 

Miska. (who has dropped mug, trembles and points to Sandur Bereny) Look! 
Look ! "Who is that personage ? Oh, ho-o-o-o-o-o 1 feel so dumb ! Oh, ho-o-o-o-o-o I 
It is he, and living ! What is the iise believing in modern gravitation. I feel this 
earth atumbling and I'll soon be edgeways. 

Saxdi'k B. (at tlie loot of the mountain) My oidy and last chance ! Should my 
fliglit he discovered before I am out of reach, 1 am lost — lost. 

Pkikst. Thou reseinblest, in appearance, an escaped lunatic. 

SANDru B. Ha! Whom do I see V Father Clarions ! 

Pkikst. Ijucky enough for thee, my son, to have met jne." Thou hast escaped 
am I guessing correctly V But thou nee(Ut not fear me. Silence will save thy life 
and freedom. 
( Saxdvk B. in what way? You scoundrel, thief and robber I You promise me 
life and freedom whereas, you would, at the first opi>ortuuity, lling me back into 
the clutches of those men. You are, sir, the instigator of all the uuu'derm and rol)- 
beries connnitted. I have seen too nuich of you not to know you. I am a free man 
now, and my freedom shall be defended with my last Ijreath. 

MisKA. Xotice poor me, just a little while! O-o-o-o-o blaster Bereny, I am so 
glad — (S. B. retreats, like in a trance) Happy beyond conceptional conception, to 
liave met you perfectly alive. 

Saxi>ik B. Can it be possible — 

MisKA. lietreat not, my dear master, I am the same, the very same iliska. 

Saxlu'k B. Am 1 (IreanungV Or is this a phenomenon':* (Miska, weeping, is 
kneeling betT>re Sandur Bereny and repeatedly kisses a part of his coat) Kise, Miska ! 
conceal nothing from me, time is very precious, those hounds may l)e on my track 
tins very minute, therefore, tell me quick — y«s or no, is my wife living":' 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 25 

MisKA. (rising) Yes. 

Sandur B. Thank God ! 

Enter Curatk, calls Priest aside. 

CURA.TE. Holy Father, the regiment lias captured the entire band, and are now 
slowly descending the mountain. 

Priest. No more ! I will ask thee questions in the presence of these men here, 
and thou shalt answer them. (Priest and Curate continue a silent conversation.) 

Sandur B. Go as quickly as you can to Batchatka and summon lielp. In the 
meantime I shall evade capture. 'Waste not a moment, but go as fast as your feet 
can carry you. Why do you hesitate? 

Jacob. Away with the crutches! (throws crutches from him) I want strength ! 
Take from me lionor, religion, eternal salvation, for one single momentary oppor- 
tunity. I am blind and j-et I can see; 1 am decrepid, and yet I could walk, yea 
run, even with the speed of a stallion. I feel an increase of marrow tilling the long 
vacated cavities in my bones — clear the way and let me pass ! Justice, justice, I 
want justice! The guilty sliall sutter; even if he is an abstraction of my own 
blood, no matter! 1 will proclaim it to the world and let it pass into history. I 
crave for justice! It is my own son, a descendant of Jacob Aaronson, who has 
caused the miseries of a nation. Seek for liini, deliver liim into the hands of law ! 
I will assist you to identify him, I know him, he is my son — he is my sou. (cries 
bitterly and drops on bench exhausted.) 

Sandur B. Can this be Jacob Aaronson V 

Miska. Yes, kind master, and what he has related is too true.- His son, with the 
big moustache, was the leader of a notorious robber band, the same that kidnapped 
you. ^ 

Saxdur B. lie is indeed to be pitied. Jacob, listen to me ! (touches Jacob.) 

Jacob. Touch me not! I have wronged you ! lam the cause of your privation 
of liberty and the terrible sufferings of your wife. Leave me, — go to iier, — she is 
waiting, — go, I say I 

Sandur B. Never! Our lots, Jacob, shall be cast together. We shall live and 
die in the same path. 

Jacob. Whj^ torture me so? You, a noble, true, and generous man, having 
lost j^our liberty through the direct agency of an old sinner, should yet hesitate 
to regain your freedom ? Go, Sandur Bereny ! I repeat, it was my son ! my son ! 
(drum heard from a distance.) 

Saxdur B. Listen ! A soldiers drum ! 

Priest. Only a robbers signal, my son. They are no doubt seeking for thee. 
This good curate has just brought mc the intelligence, he will testify to that fact. 
Tell this man what thou hast seen on the mountain. (Curate confused, Priest 
stands at his back uneasy.) 

Curate. As I was descending the mountain — I saw — I saw — a soldiers band. 
No, no, a robbers band, led by General — I mean by a monstrous looking robber — 
1 was terribly friglitened, as you nuiy know, (sound of druifl I'epeated.) 

Priest. (iu.a wliisper) Hurry, <n- we arc lost! 

Curate. They cs])ied me from tlic distance, and in the twinkling of an eye, I 
was surrounded by those terrible Austrians. No, no. I mean robbers. Seeming- 
ly, they were looking for some one, and as 1 was discovered to be the wrong indi- 
vidual, they released me. 

Priest. Thou canst draw tbine own conclusions, my son. 

Sandur B. You say that you can save mc? 

Priest. Yes. 

Sandur B. Very well. I will trust you once more. But should this prove a 
treachery — beware ! 

Priest. Fear not, my son ! Take tliinc two good friends with thee and follow 
me. (All follow Priest into church, Miska leads Jacob. Priest and Curate return 
immediately.) (Niglit.) 

Priest. 'Ihou saja'st th;it the soldiers have captured their prey? How dost 
thou know it ? 

Curate. A pilgrim passing told me of it. 

Priest. Brace thyself, let thj'^ courage be as sharp ay a razor ! A duty, which 
thou hast sworn to perforin, must now be put to a test. Should those soldiers come 
upon us, and find those three men yonder, our lives, as well as our creed will be 
jeopardized. Remember the i^issword — 

Unceasing extermination, 
Everlasting damnation, 



26 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 

Erase from earth a nation, 

Holy remain our cliurdi creation. 

Tlie time has come, my fijood curate, clioose thine own method. 

CuKATK. Advise me, lioly fatlier, and 1 will obey. 

Pkikst. Well spoken, my son, and 1 am indeed proud of tliee. Prick thine ears 
and listen with energy ! Tliose three men must be destroyed. Thou didst promise 
to obey, and yet I perc^eive thee shudder. Did notour forefather, Abraham, oft'er 
liis son Isaac, as an otiering to our Lord ! Why dost tliou hesitate to follow the ex- 
ample, in order to save our church ? I will make thine task easy, (walks to church 
window, listens, and then returns) The torcli will accomplish our pui pose, and 
we can retain an easy conscience. (Sandur Bereny ai)pears behind the church un- 
observed) Come with me. (exit I'riest and Curate.) (Sandur Bereny comes for- 
ward, watches them as Lhey disappear, then enters church noiselessly.) 

Enter Pjmkst and CiruATK, Cifi:ATK holding a lighted torch. 

Prxk.st. Be quick I 1 hear the clammering of horses hoofs. Seconds counts min- 
utes, and minutes hours. (Curate shaki!S with agony) Thou hast the heart of a 
lizzard and the courage of a gender I ^^\\^', nie the torch (takes torch and approaches 
church.) (Sander Bereny dashes at Priest, followed by Miska with a rope in hand.) 

Sanihr B. Coward I 

Miska. Let me get to him, master ! ((h-um heard nearer) 1 am handy with the 
hangman's rope. The jn-obable proba!)iIities are muchly in our favor, therefore 
let's not lose the golden opporlunity. 

Enter Jew, C'ukatk kneeling in fervent prayer, Pkiest, Saxdiik Bkhkny and 
AliBKA struggling. Enter Soi,i)iki:s, from mountain, witli the robbers, 
whose hands are tied. 

Genkual. (addressing robbers) Not only will you gain your fr«ed*m, but if 
you will give nie tlie clue, i will also reward you with a princely sum. How 
would lifty thousand llorias impress you 'i And should that not prove a sufficienc}^, 
name the sum. 

First Kouiiek. AVe may kill, we may rob, but tell a lie — never! 1 have repeat- 
edly told you. General, that Sanilur Bereny escajjed one day previous to our cap- 
ture. Thougli liaving sought fur him, within a radius of ten miles, we have failed 
to And him. 
Miska. The sun may shine, 

The stars may glitter. 
The earth move round and round, 
The long lost master. 
Who was carried thither, 
I have found, 1 have found, I have found! 
General. By heavens ! It is Miska. And so my boy, you Avere determined to 
follow me. . 

MisKA. Proverbially speaking, 1 have carried out my determinal \vish, and here 
1 am, full handed. Allow me to introduce to vou, my dear master, Sandur Be- 
reny. 

General. Can it be possible! Miska, are you telling the truth, or is this one of 
your whimsical jests 'i 

Sani>ur B. Miska has told you the truth. My condition forces me to place my- 
self und(;r your protection. But to whom am 1 indebted for such kindness? 

General. The near future will explain all to you. This is the happiest moment 
of my life I To say the least, I have known your wife in her infancy, she is dearer 
to me that! life. To restore you to her side was my oidy wish, and, thank God, I 
have found you. 
Mlska. (pointitig to Jacob) Perhaps you will recognize this individual. 
General. Recognize him ! Could 1 ever forget those benevolent features which 
have left such an impression upon my memory, (walks to Jacob) This is indeed 
a surprise, and my heart is overttowing with joy. My feelings towards you are 
those of a son to a father. Let me in the future call "you and honor you as such. 
You are silent, are you not glad to meet me ? 

Jacob. Not glad to meet my rescuer, my truest friend and protector on earth ? 
I am happy, so very happy. Many changes have taken place since you last saw 
me. Once upon a time we could see one another, but now, God, in his wisdom, 
has deprived me of my eyesight. 
General. Terrible I 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLIN. 27 

Jacob. Come nearer, my son ! let me at least feel of you ! (they embrace.) 

General. Miska, take one of my lleetest liorees, and ily home, to carry the glad 
tidings. 

Mi.sKA. Tiie r.asfals you have in charge, General, are of uneven number, so I'll 
add another. There, well hound, lies the blackest, and I dare say, though wear- 
ing a priestly garb, the most dangerous of the gang. Take him with you and 
hang him tirst. (Exit.) (Priest, who has succeeded in releasing himself, points 
two pistols at soldiers.) 

Pkiest. The tirst man who dares hay hands on me, shall die in his track, (sol- 
diers cover him with guns. All march oil'. Drum beats.) 

SCENE IL—Druicivfj room. 

Enter Susax with duster in hand. 

Susan, (dusting furniture at intervals) Dear me, Mhat excitement ! So many 
changes in so short a period,— I fe:ir the results should my mistress be disappoint- 
ed in her anticipations. I dare not indulge the thought "of the consequence ! Let 
me see — seven— (counting on fingers) eight— twelve, to-day she expects a letter 
from her father. 1 hope to goodness it will be favorable. Eveiy night before re- 
tiring, she reads her luisband's letters of courting daj'S over and over again. The 
tears she has shed over them would swell tlie Danube, (dusting table) By the 
way, here are some of those loving letters, (opens pack.age) No offence to read 
them I hope, (takes seat and read.) 

Kktchkemet, June, 1859. 

Mij Deal- Lttlka: Here in my hotel do I ponder, watching the candlelight as it 
flickers. My tliougiits are wandering and my imaginations are acute. I shut my 
eyes to cast oft" all horrid pictures, that present themselves in the flickering light; 
and draw nearer to me a faCe resembling an angel. Where on earth could I sub- 
stitute a face more beautiful, more angelic tlian your own? I have accomplished 
my mission here, and my return wili be as swift as possible. Keep up a good 
spirit, my dearest I Though your fatlier objects to our union, we will yet overcome 
that strong will of his and conquer — 

Let's wa,it till the storm subsides, 
Thunder and lightning pass by, 
And the glittering sun throws its light — 
In that change, our happiness ma}' lie. 

Your ever loving, 

Sandir. 
What a beautiful letter? Now here goes for another. 

Maros Washarhely, July, 1859. 
Ml/ Beloved: Since writing my last, in which I declared my early return, busi- 
ness of a very peculiar nature, compelled me to come here. Imagine my disap- 
pointment, after having my Avings spread, ready to fly to my beloved, to then be 
obliged to lower them, (enter Miska) But only for a short time, very short indeed. 
Oil, how my heart langiiislies for one little (IMiska coughs, Susan drops letter) 
speak of angt'ls and the <l>^vil appears. , 

Miska. Thanks for ymn- compliment. [ 

Si'SAN. Ila, ha, hal 1 didn't mean it, indeed T didn't. 

Miska. Wliat did you mean then by making such comparison ? You surely 
were not thinking of me. 

Susan. Surely I was. Have thought of you d.ay by day and night by night. 
Only last night 1 was wishing with my heart and soul for your early return. The 
cats made such a terrible racket, how handy you would have been to stop the 
mew, mew, mew I By the way, Miska, tell me .about your trijt? 
Miska. Not a down bit of it. 

Susan, (stroking his clun) Be clever now, come, tell me! « 

Miska. Must you know? 
Susan. I must. 

Miska. Look at me, look at me good, and tell me, do 1 look like a martyr? 
Susan. Judging from appearances, your question would elicit a very unfavora- 
ble answer. 
Miska, That settles it. 

Susan. Don't misconstrue me, I said appearances. 

Miska. You mean to say then, thi^t appearances are takeq Into ponsideratloa 
to judge a man's abilities. 



28 THE JEW OFZEMPLIN. 

Susan. Exactlj^ 

MisKA. Supposing — mind, this is only a supposition — if I should tell you that I 
— hem — hem — rescued jVfaster Bereny, found Jacob Aasonson and so on and so 
forth, what would you think of me? 

Si'SAx. 1 would say tliat you are a darling dear. 

MisKA. That settles it. 

SrsAX. You are a Hippopotamus, a Gibbon, a giraffe, a zebra, a — a — a — every- 
thing bad imaginable, (cries.) 

MiSKA. 'riiat settles it. 

Susan. Here you come home from a mission of such great importance, and tA\- 
stead of telling me all, you only arouse my curiosity. 

MisKA. How f;i res Mrs. Bereny y Couhl she under ordinary circumstances, re- 
ceive intelligence either good or bad, without it proving fatal to her? 

Susan. I'll vouch for tiiat. 

MisKA. That settles it. 

Susan. 1>o not tritle with me, 1 am no playtoy, 

MisKA. Lower your temper, and you shall know all — everything. Take the 
mainland highway from the town of Batchatka, and you'll reach a valley, a little 
church vou'll notice — proverbially speaking, I was there. 

Susan. Well? 

iMisKA. T met the general. And the missive, which he intrusted to me, I must 
deliver to Mrs. Beivny only. 

Susan. No, no, JNIiska, impossible. You know her nervous disposition. Tell 
me, and I will break the news to her gently, so as not to over exert her nerves. 

MiSKA. Very well, Susan, let it be as you any. My regard for your personality 
forces ane to reveal tiie secret to you first. To say little in a big chapter and to 
make myself well understood in such a critical moment as the present, and with 
all due consideration on ra.y part, 1 have concluded to reveal to you my individual 
secret also. First of all, to satisf\' your inquisitiveness, I may as well tell you 
that I have seen Master Bereny and Jacob; also, that they are now on their waj' 
home. That secret was briefly related. (Miska twisting handkerchief acting 
bashful.) 

Susan. Happiness, oh what happiness! (exit Susan unobserved by Miska). 

Miska. My own and most important secret I discovered during my travel. 
(enter Missionar,y, taking position in same place where Susan stood imobserved 
by Miska) lA'aving home with a light heart, and returning with a galloping liver 
complaint, is a bad indication. It goes to prove how men are often deceived in 
themselves, by trying to cast off the tliought wliich the heart indicates. Susan, 
am I not a human being and a man of manhood? Can't the fibers of mjr heart 
vibrate as well as in another man's lieart? 'J'lien, why not relieve myself of a 
continual torture, which the world calls — love? My malady points in that direc- 
tion, (approaches Missionary, bashful) Yes, Susan, 1 am comi)elle.d to sacrifice 
myself and in plain, unobscured langu;ige, tell you that 1 love you. I have often 
noticed that you were ready to reciprocate, but the opjiortunity did not offer it- 
self until the present moment, (takes hand of ]\lissionary) Your silence, my 
dearest darling Susan, encourages me. (Miska looks up, dis;covers his mistake; 
with surprise and wonderment he eyes her for a few seconds.) 

Enter Lulu, Si'san and Sarah. ExitMissionar.y. Miska, dumbfounded, watches 
the Missionar}^ as she disappears. 

Susan. There, my mistress, stands ]\Iiska, the messenger of the good news, 1 
was just relating to you. 

Miska. Take it away! This is no hallucination, I have seen it once before. A 
devil, caricatured in a human shape. It's ver^- step springs fire with lashes of 
steeUpointed daggers; hoofs instead of feet; its breath creates a cj'clone. It is a 
devil, I say, take it awa.y! 

Lulu. Oh, my God! I am once more deceived. This man is crazy, and what 
he told j'ou, my good Susan, is only the imagination of a shattered brain. 

Susan. Not so, madame, he was rationala minute ago. 

MisfvA. I beg pardon, madame, excuse mj^ emotions. I can't account for it, a 
spirit follows me, which will yet be the. cause of my premature death. 

Lulu. Cast away your superstitious ideas! And if true that you were commis- 
sioned by General Schutz to deliver a message to me, duty binds j-ou to do so at 
once; therefore, suspence with all the synopsis of your traveling experience? I 
demand the immediate delivery of the message as j'ou received it. 



THE JEW OF ZE3IPLIN. 29 

Enter Soldier with a letter. 

Soldier, (salutes With due respects to Madame Bereny ! I was ordered to de- 
liver this letter to her only. (Exit.) 

Lulu, (scanning the address) Susan, look at this writing I Don't you recognize 
it? Oh, my God, give me strength ! (opens letter and reads,) 

ViKXXA. 

My dearest, dearest wife: At last, at last, I am rescued and can liardly realize my 
narrow escape from a terrible death ! Your father, ijroud may my darling wife be 
to have such a father, lias told me concerning James Blue's black conspiracy. 
'J'he disguise, your father adopted, in order to ferret out the mystery concerning 
his long lost child, and after having found her to suppress his identity, proves his 
iron will and great courage. Poor old Jacob, who happened to stray near my 
place of captivity, was picked up half dead by the general, your father. He is 
with us and is rapidly improving. Father, who's authoritj' is powerful in Austria, 
and especially in Vienna, is pleading for the rights of the Jews, and has succeed- 
ed in securing their freedom in Hungary. He has also liberated Samuel, (Jacob 
Aaronson's son,) who was sentenced to be executed. My thoughts and greatest 
anxieties dwell upon reaching you, my dearest on earth. And now, father's work 
being accomplished, we will start for home. Once more united, death shall be the 
only cause for our luture separation. Your ever devoted 

Sandur. 

Lulu staggers and falls into chair. 

Sarah. Run for help, Susan, Madame is fainting! 

Lulu. Stop ! Do not disturb me in this heavenl}' repose ! Let me think, — he is 
living, my Sandur, my husband has been resuscitated from the grave, and will 
soon be with me. Oh, nn^ God, this happiness is too much — too much, (cries.) 

Sarah. Your tears, Madame Bereny, are tears of joy and happiness. The black 
cloud of destiny has passed away and sunshine will brighten your future life. 
God has linked my destiny with yours, our misfortunes were similar, and yet, 
Madame, under the great weight of my own miseries, 1 prayed daily for you, and 
wished to live long enough to see you and your kind husband reunited. The an- 
ticipations of meeting my husband nnikes mj^ heart riow over witli joj', and donljly 
so for your sake. Madame, do not restrain your tears, let them tlow. (MisUa 
watching at the window.) 

Lulu." Thanks, mj'^ good woman, for j'our kindness. Remember, my house 
shall be your abode; as we shared erpuil sorrows, so shall we share proportional 
happiness, (rising from seat) Otf with this veil of mourning and widowhood! 
Give me gay colors, green, red or blue; bedeck me with ribbons of the gayest 
designs! 'Go, all of you, and proclaim through the village the news ! Let them 
come— young, old, little and big in their festive dress to receive Sandur Bereny, 
my husband. Ha, lia, ha! My husband ! 

MisKA. Compost' yourself, Madame, and temper your emotions. I liardly think 
that 1 mistake them, (all rush to windows.) 

Lulu. Oli, ^Nliska, sjx-ak frankly, point out the objects approaching! T may dis- 
cern them even from afar. 

Mi.sKA. AVatch yonder peak! 

Li'LU. Ha, 1 can see a spot appear which glows with the red wliiteheatofa 
furnace, and forms the centre of a fiery cupalo, from which the tiames are flung 
in red and gross masses. Now, it is darkening into wild and dusky indistinctive- 
ness. From behind the hills 1 see a thick shower of burning particles, rushing up 
into midair; and the broad ])ointof a huge pyramid of fire waiveriiig in terrible 
and capricious power, whicli seems to disport ttself far up into the very depths of 
the glowing skv. Behind tiiat spectacle, I sec people ajiproachinj^. Here they 
come— nearer— nearer. Heavenly Father supjiort me! My heart will break — my 
brain — my head! Look, it is he, my Sandur. Make room. 

Sandur. (without) Luln ! Lulu! My wife. 

Lulu. Open all doors, and let him pass over the threshold ! Yes, he has come 
at last, the grave has delivered up its dead ! Here he is, here is my husband ! 

Saxdur Bereny rushes in followed by General, Jacob and Sego. 

Sandur. My wife! (Lulu faints into her husband's arms.) 

Jauob. Praised be our God ! Where is mj' wife, Sarah? 

Sarah, (rusliing into his arms) Here I am ! 

Genex?al. (addressing Lulu, wlio has recovered composure, in silent conversa- 



30 THE JEW OF ZEMPLIX. 

tion with Sandiir) Xow, my daughter, I have fulfilled my proini;?e. What (shall 
my reward be? 

Lulu. An embrace and a kiss, (they embrace.) 

Skgo. (who, until no-w, was in tlie rear, is approaching Sarah) I do not deserve 
your recognition, mj- dear mother, nevertheless father has given me liis bl<'ssing. 
iS'ow, 1 pray your forgiveness. Encourage me, and I will yet prove niy.sclf wor- 
tli}' of 3'our esteem. 

Sakau. Samuel, my son and only child, why should I scorn youV Have I not 
l)rayed for you and your early deliverance? AV^elcome — thrice welcome, my son! 

Skgo. My dear and best of all inotliers, how can I express my feelings of hap- 
piness! I can only repay your kindness bj' proving my true repentance, (they 
weep and embrace.) 

SaraII. God bless my child, and forgive his past errors! 

Gknkkal. As happiness now reigns supreme, I canno.t use the opportunity more 
advantageouslv then by revealing a secret, connecting the advents of my own life 
and concerning you, my daughter, :is well as Sarah Aaronson. 

Lri.iT. That i-eminds me that you liave repeatedly promised to relate to me the 

history of j-our life. 

Gkxkkal. So 1 did, my child, so I did, but could not do so until this present 
nuiment. To give a minute description of mj^ past life Avould rill volumes uj)on 
voiuiMcs. and give a novelist more scope to vie his pen upon reality than upon 
fiction. Twenty-two years ago I courted and wedded a creature as beautiful and 
pure as ever God created. That angelic being, my dear daugliter, was your 
motlier. But we enjoyed the felicity of married life for the short period of three 
years only. At that time L lield a position in the army, and being very ambitious 
of gaining a national re|)utation, I joint'd jMaxiiiiillian in his venture in Mexico. 
My dear wife with a litth? baby in iier aims, followed me tiirough ail hardships, 
and from over exertion and ex])osure to a malarial climate, she suddenly died. 

Sahah. (aside) My poor child fared the same fate. 

Gknkkal. ]Mj' capture followed sinuiltaneously. Imagine mj' feelings! I was 
desperate, audio save my life, as well as the life of my little angel, I planned an 
escape. My aid de carapWas the only man whom I could trust, therefore, I placed 
my little darling, tiien only two years old, in his arms. He faithfully promised 
to raise her, in iase misfortune should befall me. 1 must not forget to mention, 
Ijrevious to my departure for ]Mexico, 1 liad willed my entire fortune to my dear 
little angel. Jly plan proved successful and 1 esca])ed. To make my waj' back to 
Austria was an iiiipossit)ility; therefore, I tried to cross the frontiers and reach 
Austria, but misfoi-tune :ig;iin followed me, I was captured and incarcerated. My 
trial was short, and imi)risoinn(^ nt for life was pronounced without giving me anj-- 
cii;ince for defence. What followed, only God knows ! What a catalogue pf ills I 
had suftered. during fifteen years confinement in ten or more dungeons, is inde- 
scribable. At last, tlirougli the cause of a revolution. I was liberated. 1 at once 
instituted search for my ciilld. Seven long years I traveled from coiuitrv to coun- 
try, with but one ambition — to find her. At the termiuation of all hope of ever 
seeing my little angel, in despair and terrible disap])Ointment, 1 cursed my exist- 
ence. On my way to Vienna, after reliiKiuislnng all search, 1 met a female mis- 
sionai'y, who, in answer to my (piestious, informed me of your i)resent abode. But 
she said, "beware; of .James liliu- !" I at once concluded to adopt a disguise and 
judge for myself bow my child liad been treated. 

Liin'. Terrible I Terrible! 

Gknkiial. Tiie secret, which I promised to divulge to you, is only partial of my 
recital. Madame Aaronson, do you remember tiie gay Colonel who loved your 
daughter? 

Sauah. How could I ever forget him ! Tiie occurrence is 3'et too vivid before me. 
My poor child ! 

Gknekal. Suppose the same Colonel should appear to you now and pray your 
forgiveness? 

Sakah. God, who rulc< the universe, willed the occurrence. His bidding must 
be obeyed. The love of my daughter for the young colonel was a love too pure; 
otherwise, she would not ha\;e taken such a step as to marry a gentile. My for- 
giveness, kind sir, with my blessings followed him as well as my child. 

Gkxkuat.. Dear Madame, 1 cannot kee|) my identity fiom you any longer. I 
am the Colonel, who married your daughter, 

Sakah. You I 

GKNKrvAL. Yes. But years of havdsjnps have nmde many a change In me, even 



THE JEW OF ZEMPLiy. 31 

ray most intimate friends have faifed to Icnow me. Lulu, my dear daughter, this 
is your grand niotlier, honor lier and remember she is the mother of yuor mother. 
(Lulu weeps in Sarali's arms.) 

Sakah. My (.ompensation in gaining sucli a jewel and my happiness derived there- 
by opens an era of new life to me. May God bless yon, my grandehild, forever 
and ever more. 

MiSKA and Si:san during all this conversation are standing in opj)osite directions 

of stage flirting. 

Gkxekal. ^liska, my boy, you have I'endered me good sevice. (^iiska still engaged 
flirting, does not hear him. General is convulsed with laugliter and watches them. 
Miska, turning suddenly, porceivcs the Genei'al witli much confusion.) 

MisKA. Excuse me, General ! 1 — 1 — am so ver^- — very absent-minded — did you 
speak to me ? 

Genkkal. Not exactly. You need not niiiul me, my bo}% continue your absent- 
mindedness. 

31isKA. I was only making a calculation. Proverbially speaking, I was trying 
to measure the distance l)etween here and the moon. 

Gkxekal. Well, did you succeed? 

jMiska. Comparatively speaking, I come within twelve feet. 

Gexkral. The object of your calculation, being so close, perhaps I can help you 
in your terrible entanglement. Xow, by l)oy, sttip forward six feet! (iliska obeys) 
Susan, will you consent to help ]\[iska solve this problem? (Susan blushes) Come, 
my girl — <5nly six feet you know — (Susan advances five steps with her back turnecl 
toward 3Iiska) One more — (Susan olieys) — Sol — Xow, my boy, how Many moi'e 
inches do you miss to reach tJie moon ? 

Miska. I have reached it within the breadtii of a liair. 

Gkxkkai,. I ])erceive that there is a i)articular friendship (>xistlng between you. 
Am I right in my conjecture? Terminate that susi)ense, which gjinerally exists 
between two loving iiearts, and join liand in hand for good or bad. Susan, speak 
frankly, do you love Miska? 

Susan, (confused) 1 have liad no cliance to ])rem(Hlitate. 

Miska. Xo chance ! Have I not made my intentions known to you on various 
occasions? Susan, I may as well ex])ress my sentiments once more — I love you. 
Promise to become my wife, and 1 am the happiest man on earth. 

SusAX. I will acfpiiesce, only conditionally. 

Miska. Name your conditions ! 

Susan. Cease in the future your calculations, and let some other man finish the 
task. 

Miska. And you'll marry me ? 

Susan. Under that condition only. 

Miska. I promise. 

Susan. Take me — 1 am yours ! (they embrace.) Curtain. 



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